A1 and A2 Milk in Malaysia: Differences? Which is better?

Lactose intolerance is not a strange thing. People can develop it quite abruptly.

However, it might not be an allergic reaction to lactose as we expect, but instead to the A1 beta-casein within A1 milk that we usually consume.

If this is the first time you’re hearing about A1 and A2 milk, and wondering what they are, we’re here to discuss it.

If you’re not sensitive to milk at all, you should have an idea about A1 and A2 milk in Malaysia because it will eventually impact you or someone you know.

Differences between A1 and A2 milk in Malaysia

Alright, let’s just clarify what the main differences are in A1 and A2 milk.

It basically boils down to the casein component in milk. Casein is the most prominent protein type in milk, making up nearly 80% of total protein content in milk.

And of all the types of casein, the beta-casein is the most prevalent and it’s two most common forms are: A1 beta-casein and A2 beta-casein.

The milk we most commonly consume is usually A1 milk.

A1 milk contains both A1 and A2 beta-casein, but A2 milk contains only A2 beta-casein.

Although both types of milk come from cows, their chemical compositions vary quite a bit due to the beta-casein presence. This is very important to note because that effects the way milk is broken down and metabolized in our systems.

A1 milk is usually produced by cow breeds originating from Northern Europe (Holstein, Friesian). It is usually cheaper and easier to find.

The A1 and A2 beta-casein effect

A1 and A2 beta-casein proteins impact the body quite differently.

For one thing, A1 beta-casein is actually a result of genetic mutation, whereas A2 is not.

Because of A1’s genetic mutation, it allows this peptide called beta-casomorphin-7 (BCM-7), which it produces when digested in the small intestine, to enter the digestive tract which leads to a lot of further problems.

A2 beta-casein related problems

• Sensitivity of children – Learning & Autism

A study in infants found higher levels of BCM-7 in those fed cow’s milk compared to those who were breastfed. Notably, some of the infants experienced quick drops of levels of BCM-7 while for others, the BCM-7 levels remained high.

So this shows that some children can be quite sensitive to the A1 beta-casein found in cow’s milk.

For those who retained these high levels, BCM-7 was strongly linked with an impaired ability to learn, plan and perform actions (Pubmed).

Another study shows that that behavioral symptoms in children with autism may worsen when drinking cow’s milk. But other studies found no effects on behavior, so more research will be needed.

• Allergy Sensitivity

A1 milk protein also contains Histidine which is released to form Histamine which causes allergic reactions.

As a result, those who consume this are more prone to develop allergic dermatitis (skin allergy), allergic rhinitis (running nose), allergic cough and asthma.

• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the unexpected death of an infant without an apparent cause.

A study found that infants who temporarily stopped breathing during sleep had high levels of BCM-7 in the blood. This condition, known as sleep apnea, is linked to increased risk of SIDS. (Pubmed).

Yet, further studies are required before firm conclusions are made.

• Digestion Inflammation & Reduced Immunity

One study in Chinese adults found that A2 milk led to significantly less digestive discomfort after meals. (Pubmed).

Additionally, animal and human studies suggest that A1 beta-casein may increase inflammation in the digestive system (Pubmed)

The fat and carbohydrate content in A1 milk also may encourages the growth of unhealthy bacteria in human intestine, leading to reduced immunity.

• Risk of Heart Disease

Two studies link A1 milk consumption to increased risk of heart disease. A test of A1 rabbits showed higher fat build up in injured blood vessels compared to rabbits who consumed just A2 beta-casein. (Pubmed)

Of course, more research is required here as well.

Choosing between A1 and A2 in Malaysia

We think that especially for those sensitive to nutrition intake, A2 milk would be the better choice.

The regular milk production industry in Malaysia is already quite frightful to us, and we try to take precaution in the milk that we drink and use, sourcing from local farmers with healthy cows.

How to obtain A2 milk in Malaysia.

Local cows are the safer option if you’re looking to avoid A1 milk. Off the shelf milk products are most likely A1 milk, containing both the A1 and A2 beta-casein proteins.

Currently in Malaysia, there is no off-the-shelf A2 cow milk available except for one Australian brand.

But recently a company in Malaysia bought a herd of A2 cows and are starting production for Dec 2020, so fingers crossed, Malaysians will start having A2 milk 😀

Alternatively, other sources of milk that contain only A2 beta-casein are goat milk and sheep milk.

If you do have an intolerance to milk, a dairy alternative to it could be kefir, which is also seriously loaded with health benefits.

If you haven’t heard of kefir before, here is a pretty great article to start you off.

If you prefer to watch a video on kefir benefits. Here you go 🙂

Thanks for reading about A1 and A2 Milk in Malaysia with us and feel free to ask questions and continue the discussion in the comments below!

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