Tag: Beta casomorphin 7

According to a 2017 review of human studies, consumption of milk containing A1 β-casein may negatively impact gut health by altering microbial composition and reducing intestinal motility. For decades, the dairy industry and scientific community have debated the specific health risks and what is the disease caused by A1 milk in some individuals, focusing on a protein called A1 beta-casein.

According to a 2025 study in the *Journal of Cancer Prevention*, consuming A2 milk alleviated digestive discomfort in a group of subjects sensitive to dairy. This has led many to question: is A2 dairy better, particularly for those with stomach issues that may not be true lactose intolerance?

Scientific studies suggest that for some individuals, the A1 protein in conventional milk can trigger inflammatory responses in the gut, whereas A2 milk does not produce the same effect. This difference hinges on a single amino acid variation that can significantly impact digestion and overall gut comfort.

Human breast milk contains only the A2 type of beta-casein protein, which is more easily digested than the A1 protein found in most conventional cow's milk. For nursing mothers, this has led to questions about whether consuming A2 milk is better when breastfeeding, especially if they or their baby experience dairy-related digestive issues.

A 2024 study involving subjects with gastrointestinal discomfort found that consuming A2 milk alleviated several digestive symptoms compared to regular milk. The key difference lies in the protein structure, and understanding why is A2 milk healthier can help those with dairy sensitivities.

A single amino acid difference in the beta-casein protein of cow's milk distinguishes A1 from A2 milk, affecting how it is digested. When A1 protein is digested, it can release a peptide called beta-casomorphin-7 (BCM-7), which is associated with a range of health issues for some people, raising questions about what is bad about A1 protein in milk.

Over 70% of dairy cows in Western herds have the genetics to produce milk containing A1 beta-casein protein. In contrast, A2 milk comes from specially selected cows that naturally produce only the A2 type of beta-casein. This subtle genetic difference in the protein can significantly alter how the milk is digested by some individuals, potentially alleviating common symptoms of milk intolerance like bloating and discomfort.

Recent studies suggest that casein's inflammatory potential is not universal but rather depends on individual sensitivities and the type of protein variant consumed. The question, **is casein inflammatory?**, is a complex one, with answers lying deep within dairy science and individual biology, distinguishing between different casein types and their effects on the body.

The debate surrounding A1 versus A2 milk has gained traction as more people report digestive issues after dairy consumption. This has led to the question: does A1 protein cause inflammation? Studies suggest that for some, the peptide released during the digestion of A1 protein, BCM-7, may be a contributing factor to gut inflammation.

According to a 2016 study in the journal *Nutrition Journal*, consumption of A1 β-casein milk was associated with increased gastrointestinal inflammation and symptoms similar to lactose intolerance in some individuals. This has led to growing interest in the question: **is A2 milk less inflammatory** for people with dairy sensitivities?