What Exactly is A2 Protein?

It’s what isn’t in A2 whole milk that makes it special. It’s all about proteins. Depending on a cows’ genetics they will produce milk that contains either the A1 or A2 proteins or a combination of both.

Historically cows always produced milk that contained only the A2 proteins but changes in farming demands mean that most of the milk now found in the supermarket contains both.

By carefully selecting specific breeds of cows that genetically have the double A2 gene the resulting milk is free from the A1 protein.

The scientific explanation

It’s the specific amino acid at position 67 on the chain. In A1 milk this amino acid is histidine and in A2 its proline. The hypothesis is that when the A1 beta-casein proteins are broken down something called β-casomorphin-7 is created. This casomorphin may then trigger a cascade of events that could lead to inflammation and digestive discomfort, similar to lactose intolerance.

Why is this milk so special?

Basically, it contains all of the calcium, vitamins, minerals, fats, and proteins of standard everyday milk but the absence of the A1 protein may make it easier to digest. There is a significant amount of anecdotal evidence that tummy upsets are a thing of the past once people shift to drinking milk with only A2 protein.

All the Little River Estate, ViaVio and Mooody Cow dairy and cheeses plus Appleby Farms ice-cream sold at the Junction, are made from this fabulous milk allowing many people to get their dairy fix without tummy troubles.