The Truth About Organic Valley Milk and A2 Proteins
Many health-conscious consumers seek out A2 milk, believing it to be gentler on digestion. This has led to a common question: Is all Organic Valley milk A2? The simple and direct answer is no. While Organic Valley is a leader in organic and sustainable dairy farming, its milk supply is not guaranteed to be exclusively A2. The company sources milk from thousands of different family farms, which raise a variety of dairy cow breeds. These breeds, including common ones like Holsteins and Jerseys, produce milk containing a mixture of both A1 and A2 beta-casein proteins. This is a key distinction from other brands, such as the a2 Milk® Company, which specifically test and select cows to ensure their milk contains only the A2 protein.
What are A1 and A2 Beta-Casein Proteins?
To understand why this distinction is important, one must first grasp the science behind A1 and A2 proteins. Both are types of beta-casein, which is a major protein found in milk. The difference between them lies in a single amino acid at position 67 in their protein chain. For most of dairy history, all cows produced only the A2 protein, which is also the primary protein found in human, sheep, and goat milk. However, a natural genetic mutation occurred centuries ago that resulted in the A1 beta-casein variant spreading through dairy herds, particularly those of European origin like Holsteins.
The most significant consequence of this slight genetic difference is how the proteins are digested. When the A1 protein is broken down in the gut, it releases a peptide called beta-casomorphin-7 (BCM-7). Some individuals find BCM-7 difficult to digest, and it has been linked to symptoms of digestive discomfort, such as bloating, gas, and abdominal pain, in some people. In contrast, A2 milk does not produce BCM-7 during digestion, which is why many individuals with mild dairy sensitivity find it easier to tolerate than conventional milk. It is critical to note that A2 milk is not a solution for true lactose intolerance, as it still contains the milk sugar lactose.
Comparing A1 vs. A2 Milk Proteins
| Feature | A1 Beta-Casein Protein | A2 Beta-Casein Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Result of a genetic mutation in dairy cows over time. | Original beta-casein found in all cow's milk prior to mutation. |
| Digestion | Can release the peptide BCM-7, which can cause digestive issues. | Does not release BCM-7, potentially making it easier to digest. |
| Common Source | Most conventional and standard organic milk from common breeds (e.g., Holstein). | Milk from specially selected cows, certain heritage breeds (e.g., Guernsey, Jersey), and indigenous Indian breeds. |
| Availability | Widely available in standard grocery stores. | Available from specialized brands or farms that test for the trait. |
| Symptom Link | Linked by some studies to digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals. | Not linked to the same digestive issues as A1 in sensitive individuals. |
Understanding the Organic Valley Milk Supply
Organic Valley’s cooperative structure means its milk comes from a diverse collection of farms, and their herd genetics reflect this. Here is a breakdown of their milk supply characteristics:
- Mixed Herds: Their milk comes from a variety of dairy breeds, which results in a natural blend of both A1 and A2 proteins in their products.
- No Testing Requirement: As a cooperative, they do not currently require farmers to test their cows for the A2 protein variant. This means there is no way to know the specific protein composition of the milk in any given carton.
- Farmer Autonomy: Each family farmer in the co-op has the freedom to choose their herd's breed and management style. While some farmers are selectively breeding for the A2 trait, this is a slow process and does not represent the entire supply chain.
- Focus on Organic Standards: Organic Valley's primary commitment is to organic farming practices, which means no antibiotics, no artificial hormones, and no GMOs. This is different from a commitment to A2 protein status.
How Can You Find A2 Milk?
For consumers who wish to drink milk containing only the A2 protein, Organic Valley is not the right choice. Instead, you need to look for brands that specifically market their products as A2 milk. These brands ensure their A2 status through genetic testing of their herds. The process involves:
- Genetic Testing: Using a hair sample or another simple method, a cow's DNA is tested to confirm it only produces the A2 beta-casein protein.
- Herd Separation: Tested cows are separated into a pure herd to ensure their milk is never mixed with A1-producing milk.
- Milk Testing: The milk is often tested again after production to verify its purity and quality.
Brands like the a2 Milk® Company, Alexandre Family Farm, and certain local farms follow these steps to provide certified A2 milk. Therefore, if you are seeking A2 milk for digestive reasons, it is crucial to carefully read product labels and select a brand that explicitly guarantees its milk contains only the A2 protein.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the assumption that all Organic Valley milk is A2 is incorrect. The brand's commitment is to organic standards and sustainable farming, not the exclusive production of A2 milk. For individuals with sensitivities to the A1 beta-casein protein, it is essential to seek out brands that specifically test and certify their milk as A2. While Organic Valley provides high-quality organic milk, it contains a natural mix of both A1 and A2 proteins due to its cooperative structure and varied herd genetics. Your best option is to look for brands that explicitly guarantee A2 milk to ensure you are getting the product that best suits your needs.
For more detailed information on Organic Valley's commitment to organic farming and their products, you can visit their official website at www.organicvalley.coop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is A2 milk and what makes it different?
A2 milk contains only the A2 beta-casein protein, while conventional milk has a mix of both A1 and A2 proteins. For some people, the A1 protein can cause digestive discomfort, and the absence of it makes A2 milk easier to digest.
Is Organic Valley milk A1 or A2?
Organic Valley milk is neither exclusively A1 nor A2. Because it's sourced from a cooperative of many family farms with mixed-breed herds, their milk is a blend that contains both A1 and A2 beta-casein proteins.
How can I tell if a brand's milk is A2?
Brands that sell A2 milk will explicitly state it on their packaging. They genetically test their cows to ensure the herd only produces milk with the A2 protein. You cannot tell the difference between A1 and A2 milk just by looking at or tasting it.
Is A2 milk suitable for those with lactose intolerance?
No. A2 milk still contains lactose, the milk sugar that people with lactose intolerance cannot digest. While it may be easier for those with a sensitivity to the A1 protein, it will not help with lactose intolerance.
Do any Organic Valley farmers produce A2 milk?
Yes, some individual Organic Valley farmers may be selectively breeding their herds for the A2 trait. However, this is not a widespread practice, and their milk is combined with others in the cooperative, meaning the final product is not guaranteed to be exclusively A2.
Which dairy cow breeds produce A2 milk?
Indigenous breeds from Asia and Africa, such as the Indian Gir and Sahiwal, primarily produce A2 milk. Some European heritage breeds, including Guernsey and Jersey cows, are also known for their higher proportion of A2 protein.
Is A2 milk better for you than regular milk?
For most people, the nutritional difference is minimal. However, for those with a sensitivity to the A1 protein, A2 milk can be a better choice as it may be easier to digest and cause less inflammation.
Why don't all organic dairy companies offer only A2 milk?
Producing exclusively A2 milk requires genetic testing and selective breeding, which is a costly and long-term process. Many organic dairy companies, including Organic Valley, prioritize adhering to organic standards rather than exclusively producing A2 milk.
