Can People With Lactose Intolerance Drink A2 Milk? The Expert Answer

November 28, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 65% of the world's population has some form of lactose intolerance. This has led many to question if newer dairy products, like A2 milk, are a viable solution to their digestive woes. However, can people with lactose intolerance drink A2 milk and find relief?

Quick Summary

A2 milk is not a suitable substitute for people with true lactose intolerance, as it still contains lactose. Its benefits are for those with a sensitivity to the A1 beta-casein protein found in regular milk, which can cause similar symptoms.

Key Points

Not for True Lactose Intolerance: Regular A2 milk contains lactose and is not a solution for individuals with a diagnosed deficiency of the lactase enzyme.
A1 Protein is the Target: A2 milk is beneficial for people with a sensitivity to the A1 beta-casein protein found in regular milk, which can cause digestive issues.
Symptoms Can Mimic Each Other: A1 protein sensitivity and lactose intolerance can present with similar symptoms, like bloating and gas, making a proper diagnosis crucial.
Lactose-Free Milk is Different: The correct dairy alternative for diagnosed lactose intolerance is milk with the lactase enzyme added to break down the milk sugar.
Many Alternatives Exist: Besides lactose-free dairy, options like oat, soy, and almond milk are naturally lactose-free and suitable for various dietary needs.
Seek Professional Diagnosis: Consulting a doctor can help determine the specific cause of digestive discomfort and guide you to the correct milk product.

The Difference Between Lactose Intolerance and A1 Protein Sensitivity

It's a common misconception that all dairy-related digestive discomfort is caused by lactose intolerance. In reality, there are two distinct issues at play: an inability to digest milk sugar (lactose) and a sensitivity to a specific type of milk protein (A1 beta-casein). A2 milk only addresses the latter, while lactose-free milk addresses the former.

What is Lactose Intolerance?

Lactose intolerance occurs when the body does not produce enough of the enzyme lactase, which is required to break down lactose, the sugar found in milk. When lactose is not properly digested in the small intestine, it passes into the large intestine where it is fermented by bacteria. This process produces gas and fluid, leading to uncomfortable digestive symptoms such as:

Bloating
Gas
Abdominal cramps
Diarrhea
Nausea

What is A1 Protein Sensitivity?

For many people, the symptoms they experience are not from lactose at all, but from a sensitivity to the A1 beta-casein protein. Regular milk contains a mix of both A1 and A2 beta-casein proteins. When the A1 protein is digested, it can release a peptide called beta-casomorphin-7 (BCM-7), which has been linked to digestive inflammation and discomfort that mimics lactose intolerance. A2 milk is sourced from cows that are genetically tested to produce milk with only the A2 protein, eliminating the potential for BCM-7 to be released.

The Verdict: Can People with Lactose Intolerance Drink A2 Milk?

Simply put, if you have a medically diagnosed lactose intolerance, regular A2 milk is not the right choice for you. Since it still contains the same amount of lactose as regular milk, it will likely cause the same symptoms. For those with diagnosed lactose intolerance, the best dairy option is specifically labeled lactose-free milk, where the lactase enzyme has been added to pre-digest the lactose.

However, A2 milk can be a game-changer for people with an undiagnosed dairy sensitivity that is actually an A1 protein issue. If you've never been formally diagnosed with lactose intolerance but experience digestive discomfort after drinking regular milk, A2 milk could provide relief.

Making the Right Choice

To determine if A2 milk is a good fit, a person should consider their specific condition. A healthcare provider can conduct tests to confirm whether lactose intolerance is the cause of your symptoms. If the tests are negative, a sensitivity to the A1 protein is a likely culprit.

Comparison Table: Milk Options for Digestive Issues


Feature	Regular Milk	A2 Milk	Lactose-Free Milk	Non-Dairy Milk (e.g., Oat, Almond)
Contains Lactose?	Yes	Yes	No	No
Contains A1 Protein?	Yes	No	Yes (typically)	No
Suitable for Lactose Intolerance?	No	No	Yes	Yes
Suitable for A1 Protein Sensitivity?	No	Yes	No (typically)	Yes
Primary Nutrient Profile	Cow's milk nutrients	Cow's milk nutrients	Cow's milk nutrients	Variable, often fortified
Origin	Conventional cows	Selectively bred A2 cows	Conventional cows (enzyme added)	Plant-based

Alternatives for True Lactose Intolerance

If you have a confirmed case of lactose intolerance, you have several options for enjoying the taste and nutritional benefits of milk:

Lactose-Free Dairy: This cow's milk has added lactase to break down the lactose, making it easily digestible while retaining the nutritional value of regular milk. Some companies, like a2 Milk, even offer a lactose-free version of their A2 milk for those who want both benefits.
Non-Dairy Milks: A wide variety of plant-based milks are available, including oat milk, almond milk, soy milk, and rice milk. These are naturally lactose-free, but their nutritional content can vary greatly, so it's important to check the label for added vitamins and minerals.
Lactase Enzyme Supplements: For those who don't want to switch milk types, over-the-counter lactase supplements can be taken before consuming dairy to help your body digest lactose.

Conclusion

In summary, the answer to "can people with lactose intolerance drink A2 milk?" is a clear no, unless it is a special lactose-free version. A2 milk contains lactose and will not alleviate symptoms caused by a lactase deficiency. The product's benefit lies in helping individuals who react to the A1 protein, which can cause symptoms that are often mistaken for lactose intolerance. The key to finding relief is to understand the specific cause of your digestive issues. Consulting a healthcare professional can provide the definitive diagnosis needed to make an informed choice about which milk is best for you, whether it's lactose-free dairy, a non-dairy alternative, or for some, A2 milk. For more information on differentiating between milk sensitivities, visit reliable health resources like the Cleveland Clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

The key difference is in the type of beta-casein protein they contain. Regular milk contains both A1 and A2 beta-casein, while A2 milk is sourced from cows that only produce the A2 protein.

Yes, it is possible to have both an A1 protein sensitivity and lactose intolerance. In such cases, a specialized lactose-free A2 milk or a complete switch to a non-dairy alternative would be necessary.

The only way to know for certain is to get a proper diagnosis from a healthcare provider. However, if you experience symptoms with all dairy products, even those with lower lactose (like hard cheese), you may have a protein sensitivity. If symptoms are tied to the amount of lactose consumed, it's more likely intolerance.

For those with A1 protein sensitivity, A2 milk is generally well-tolerated. However, it still contains lactose and milk protein, so it is not suitable for those with diagnosed lactose intolerance or a milk protein allergy.

From a basic nutritional standpoint, A2 milk has the same nutrients (calcium, vitamins, protein) as regular milk of the same fat content. Its potential benefit is primarily for digestive comfort in those sensitive to the A1 protein.

For severe lactose intolerance, the most reliable options are lactose-free cow's milk or plant-based alternatives such as oat, almond, or soy milk. Lactase supplements can also be used with regular dairy.

Harder cheeses and yogurts typically contain less lactose due to fermentation, so some people with mild lactose intolerance can tolerate them. However, those with a protein sensitivity might still experience issues depending on the protein content.