Can Lactose Intolerant People Drink A2A2 Milk?

November 30, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 65% of the human population has a reduced ability to digest lactose after infancy. Many people with this condition wonder if a newer product on the market, A2A2 milk, could offer a dairy solution, but it is important to understand that A2A2 milk still contains the same amount of lactose as regular milk.

Quick Summary

A2A2 milk is not suitable for individuals with true lactose intolerance because it contains lactose. Digestive relief experienced by some is often due to an A1 protein sensitivity, not a cure for lactose maldigestion. Understand the key differences to make an informed choice.

Key Points

A2A2 Milk Still Contains Lactose: A2A2 milk, unlike lactose-free products, retains its natural lactose content, making it unsuitable for genuinely lactose intolerant individuals.
Benefits for A1 Protein Sensitivity: Some people who experience digestive issues after drinking regular milk may actually be sensitive to the A1 beta-casein protein, not lactose. For these individuals, A2A2 milk, which only contains the A2 protein, can provide relief.
A1 vs. Lactose Intolerance: Symptoms like bloating and gas can overlap between A1 protein sensitivity and lactose intolerance, necessitating medical testing to confirm the underlying cause.
Specialized Lactose-Free A2 Milk Exists: For those with a confirmed lactose intolerance who also prefer A2 milk, some brands now offer a lactose-free version by adding lactase during processing.
Professional Diagnosis is Key: The most accurate way to understand your body's reaction to milk is to consult a doctor or gastroenterologist for proper testing and guidance.
Alternatives are Available: For those who cannot tolerate any cow's milk, plant-based alternatives like oat or almond milk are excellent options.

Understanding the Difference: Lactose Intolerance vs. A1 Protein Sensitivity

Many consumers who experience digestive discomfort after drinking traditional cow's milk attribute it solely to lactose intolerance. However, the issue can often be more complex, involving the protein makeup of the milk itself. Most conventional milk contains a combination of two beta-casein proteins: A1 and A2. When the A1 protein is digested, it can produce a peptide called beta-casomorphin-7 (BCM-7). Some research suggests this peptide may trigger inflammatory responses and digestive symptoms, such as bloating and gas, that mimic lactose intolerance.

In contrast, A2A2 milk comes from cows genetically selected to produce only the A2 beta-casein protein, which does not break down to form BCM-7 in the same way. For people whose digestive issues are primarily caused by a sensitivity to the A1 protein, switching to A2A2 milk can alleviate symptoms. The critical distinction, however, is that A2A2 milk contains the same lactose (milk sugar) as regular milk. Therefore, for individuals with a confirmed lactose intolerance—meaning their bodies do not produce enough of the lactase enzyme to break down lactose—A2A2 milk will not solve their digestive problems.

Can You Be Intolerant to Both?

Yes, it is entirely possible for a person to have both a true lactose intolerance and a sensitivity to the A1 protein. Symptoms of these two issues can overlap significantly, making it difficult for an individual to pinpoint the exact cause without professional testing. A person who suspects they have a dairy issue but has not been medically diagnosed with lactose intolerance might find relief with A2A2 milk. If their symptoms disappear, it's a strong indicator that their issue was an A1 protein sensitivity. If symptoms persist, however, the root cause is likely lactose intolerance, or possibly a combination of both issues. Consulting a doctor or gastroenterologist is the most reliable way to receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

How to Determine Your Sensitivity

Get Medically Diagnosed: The most definitive step is to undergo a hydrogen breath test, the standard medical procedure for confirming lactose intolerance.
Try an Elimination Diet: Cut all dairy from your diet for a few weeks and observe if symptoms improve. Then, reintroduce A2A2 milk specifically. If you react, the issue is likely lactose. If you tolerate it well, try regular milk next. A reaction here would point towards an A1 protein sensitivity.
Use Supplements: Before consuming regular dairy, try taking a lactase enzyme supplement. If this prevents your symptoms, your body is struggling with lactose digestion.

Comparing Milk Types for Sensitive Stomachs


Feature	Conventional Milk	A2A2 Milk	Lactose-Free Milk
Contains Lactose?	Yes	Yes	No (Lactase added)
Contains A1 Protein?	Yes	No	Yes (typically)
Contains A2 Protein?	Yes	Yes	Yes
Suitable for Lactose Intolerance?	No	No	Yes
Potential for A1 Protein Sensitivity?	Yes	No	Yes (Typically)
Nutritional Profile	Standard cow's milk profile	Same as conventional milk	Same as conventional milk

What are the Alternatives?

For those who discover they are truly lactose intolerant, several effective alternatives are available:

Lactose-Free A2 Milk: Some brands, like the a2 Milk Company, now offer lactose-free A2 milk by adding the lactase enzyme during production, providing a dual solution for those with both intolerances.
Plant-Based Milks: Almond, oat, soy, and rice milk are all naturally lactose-free and suitable for individuals who cannot tolerate any dairy. These products have varying nutritional profiles, so it is important to check the labels.
Goat or Sheep Milk: The protein structure in milk from goats and sheep is often closer to the A2 protein, and these products may be more tolerable for some people with A1 protein sensitivity, though they still contain lactose.

Conclusion

In summary, while A2A2 milk is a good option for people with an A1 protein sensitivity, it is not a fix for true lactose intolerance because it contains the same lactose as standard milk. Individuals experiencing dairy-related digestive issues should first determine the root cause of their discomfort—whether it's lactose maldigestion, A1 protein sensitivity, or a combination—by consulting a healthcare provider. Only then can they choose the most suitable milk alternative, whether it's A2A2 milk, a lactose-free option, or a plant-based beverage. For more scientific information on the health effects and differences between A1 and A2 milk, refer to research from reputable sources like Medical News Today.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, A2A2 milk contains the same amount of lactose as regular cow's milk and is not a lower-lactose product.

The most definitive way is to get a hydrogen breath test for lactose intolerance. If you test negative, but still have symptoms with regular milk, it's likely an A1 protein sensitivity.

No, A2A2 milk is not a safe alternative for children with diagnosed lactose intolerance, as it still contains the lactose that causes digestive problems.

Yes, some dairy companies produce lactose-free A2 milk by adding the lactase enzyme to break down the lactose, offering a solution for those with both concerns.

No, A2A2 milk is not safe for individuals with a cow's milk protein allergy, as it still contains milk proteins that can trigger an allergic reaction.

Effective alternatives include lactose-free cow's milk, as well as plant-based milks like almond, soy, and oat milk.

For people with an A1 protein sensitivity, yes, it can be easier to digest due to the absence of the A1 beta-casein protein. It has no benefit for those with true lactose intolerance.