Four years ago, I wrote an article and filmed a video about the differences between A1 and A2 milk. The A1 versus A2 factor refers to the different type of casein in raw milk from various breeds of cows.
Note that sheep milk, goat milk, and camel milk are all A2 milk regardless of breed.
Much of the hubbub regarding A1 versus A2 milk at that time and in the ensuing years resulted from an article written by Dr. Tom Cowan based on the book The Devil in the Milk which claims that cows made a genetic split about 5,000 years ago which resulted in Holsteins and Friesians (black and white cows) becoming favored for domestication because of calmness and other traits.
These cows became the A1 dominant cows of today which supposedly produce milk which acts like an opiate when consumed and which epidemiological studies have implicated in heart disease, Type 1 diabetes, autism and schizophrenia.
The book also claims that old fashioned breeds of cows produce A2 milk that is far healthier and that genetic testing is required to determine if a cow has A1 or A2 genetics.
As I have read more about this issue, it seems that in reality, we have no way of knowing whether any of this is true or not. There is no other research that confirms this historical split. If this genetic divergence truly occurred 5,000 years ago and A1 milk is one of the sources of heart disease and makes autism worse, why doesn’t this match up with what other researchers are finding?
Unnatural feeding of dairy cows, confinement and pasteurization/homogenization that got started early in the last century are far more likely culprits for any health issues associated with milk consumption, not cow genetics.
If fact, in the comments section of that post I wrote four years ago, Mark McAfee, Founder of Organic Pastures Dairy in California, said the following:
Sarah,
I agree with much of what you have shared….but let me help out by filling in the blanks a little. I am very close to this A-2 subject matter and can help clear the air.
Dr. Cowan has privately apologized to me for writing the forward to The Devil in the Milk. He said that if he knew then what he knows now he would not have said what he wrote.
The A-2 story is far from conclusive. Instead of “The Devil is in the Milk”….the better statement is.. “The Real Devil is in the CAFO Grain Feeding of the Cows and Processing of the Milk”.
Keep up the great teaching and nutritional work!!
Most kind regards,
Mark McAfee
Founder Organic Pastures Dairy Company
Fresno CA
I recently emailed Mark to see if he had any additional information on the A1 and A2 milk issue, and he responded by saying that he would be attending the upcoming International Milk Genomics conference in Aarhus, Denmark, where A2 will be discussed in depth. But, at the present time, his opinion is the same – that the jury is still out on the A1 versus A2 milk issue and whether cow genetics is of any importance whatsoever.
Should You Care About A1 and A2 Milk?
While it is clear that cow genetics plays a role in how a herd responds to environmental conditions and can be used to select the most appropriate breed for a given locale, it is far less certain whether cow genetics plays a role in production of the best milk from a nutritional point of view.
The most important thing for the consumer at the present time is to ensure that the farm they purchase their milk from has a healthy herd which grazes on well kept, unsprayed green pasture. In addition, visual examination of the milk to assess the size and color of the creamline indicating the presence of fat soluble vitamins and co-factors is most important.
Organic Pastures Dairy in California seems to be of the same mindset. The FAQ on the OP website says the following:
We do not test for A1/A2 genetics. It is our opinion that raw, non-homogenized milk, from organic cows that graze on pasture makes the most nutritious milk. We have 10 different breeds that make our milk delicious and nutritious. We believe the genetic diversity of our cows adds to the overall nutritional diversity of their milk.
Well said.
Sarah, The Healthy Home Economist
More Information
In NZ we can get A2 milk from the supermarket. My experience is that you have to be careful about the best before date as I have had some that goes off quickly. I guess part of the reason for this is that consumers are not yet switched on to A2 milk so sales are slow.
I was told by a scientist at a lecture on arthritis that something happened to our food in the 50’s leading to a large increase in joint problems and allergies. He thought that homogenization was a cause as the body cannot handle the smaller fat globules so parks them in the arterial walls. Luckily, in NZ our cows are all pasture fed except for the use of palm kernel extract during dry periods. Our major milk company is limiting the use of PKE and wants to phase it out.
I would go for A2 organic milk if available, I see no reason why not.
After watching TV commercials will you rest stop to buy some A2 milk from Publix I’m lactose intolerant and was hoping that all of the hoopla was real how about I haven’t had diarrhea and pains like that for quite a long time because I’ve been invited milk A2 milk acts exactly the same as the regular milk that I drink prior to trying to A2 milk sorry lactose intolerant people if I were you
Goat milk is said to be all A2 milk. I have found even organic cow’s milk usually causes gas except for the times I have had the A2 milk, thus we stick with goat’s milk. I am glad research is consistent with my experience. I have even had success drinking goat’s milk that is not organic, although I realize the advantages of organic milk.
I’m surprised that your discussion on the A1-A2 milk debate made no reference to the recent clinical trial at Curtin University, Western Australia, that showed very definite differences in human digestive response to A1 milk and A2 milk. Here’s just one of the reports that covered this trial, which was detailed in an extremely reputable European peer-reviewed scientific journal:
http://ausfoodnews.com.au/2014/08/18/digestive-health-benefits-of-a2-milk-strengthen-health-claims-study-2.html
A2 milk is not widely available in all countries as yet, but in Australia it has captured more than 5% of the retail dairy market despite the fact it costs twice the price of almost all its competitors. This is based not on claims by its producers but on word of mouth among consumers who consistently report benefits from drinking A2.
And a number of medical and nutritional practitioners in Australia who deal with patients suffering autism and ADHD also swear by A2. Here’s what one of them says on her website:
“It is my experience that so many of my clients do much better on A2 milk. Benefits noted by parents include: better digestion, regular bowel movements, less brain fog, children are more engaged, less skin rashes and ear infections, no nasal congestion/runny noses/hay fever, better mood and concentration. I often hear that language improves and that the child is happier.”
Nick Turner
Wellington NZ
Given that the placebo effect can account for most or all of the perceived or actual improvement in a medical condition, it seems wise to wait for some actual proof, aka controlled studies before claiming any actual benefit.
Without dealing directly with the source/farmer I think it would difficult to insure if you are getting A2 cow’s milk. I think the biggest concern for most people should be what diet the cows are being provided. In the perfect world it would great if our milk was traced from farm to table but thats not likely to happen any time soon.
Time for some n=1 experimentation. Find out what works for you.
I wonder if any work has been done as to whether or not it matters that cows (whether A1 or A2) come from hybridization? Do you think that plays a role here? This is well beyond my pay grade but a worthy question I feel. What do you think?
Initially learned about the difference between A1 & A2 when I read about this:
“The original evidence implicating A1 beta-casein came from Professor Bob Elliott from Auckland University. He noted that Samoan children brought up in Samoa had a minimal level of Type 1 diabetes whereas children of Samoan ethnicity in New Zealand are vulnerable. He looked for differences in lifestyle, and identified exposure to cow milk as a possibility. Subsequently working with Dr Murray Laugesen, he showed that across the developed world more than 80% of the between-country variations in Type 1 diabetes could be explained by per capita intake of A1 beta-casein. Corran McLachlan showed similar correlations between intake of A1 beta-casein and heart disease. The correlations are statistically very strong and no alternative explanation for these between-country differences has stood the test of time.”
http://www.healthnz.co.nz/milk.htm
We too are very close to this issue. We are trying to eat foods as close to the way that God made them as possible. That could be the end of the story as far as I’m concerned. If there’s a mutation, whether we know the effect or not, why not breed away from it.
As a farm that produces family milk cows, we too were hesitant to tell others about a2 because all the sudden our A1 cows don’t sell. But in the end, the purpose of knowledge is action.
Also, I do not have leaky gut syndrome and was happily milking my A1/A2 Blossom. then when my A2/A2 Ginger freshened, I noticed when drinking her milk that I did not get RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome) while drinking her milk. I eventually linked it by experimenting back and forth. If I go to a potluck and have a small serving of dairy, I will have RLS that night.
So this and since then other random stories convinces me there is something to it. It is true that farms are hesitant to “go there” as there are many problems with switching a herd over. I ignore the political issues as that does not affect me but A1 does.
Of course we don’t know if it effects everyone or just some or it’s effect is accumulative over the years. There’s so much we don’t know but don’t hesitate to get real food (any raw milk) and then work towards the best (IMHO – A2/A2) as you can. If herds would just stop breeding any other genetics besides A2/A2, they would breed it out in about 10-15 years!!!!! If there is better, why not. Forget the political arguments, look at anecdotal evidence for once.
I do want to say that if I could get no other milk, I would drink any raw milk because I saw so many other benefits from raw milk (any raw milk). But thankfully, there are other options even goats milk. Since A1 is linked with neurological issues and I have RLS, I think it would be silly for me to say, I just don’t have enough evidence yet. I am SO GLAD I do not suffer with RLS anymore! Sleep is good! I join the ranks of those who are convinced there is something to this! Not a reason to slaughter good cows but a reason to breed only A2/A2 sires!!!
I appreciate all the info you so faithfully put out there for all of us. thank you!
Mutations happen ALL the time. The only way to not have one is to make clones.