The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has retracted its recent direction to ban the sale of dairy products labelled as A1 and A2 milk. For the unversed, Alpha-1 (A1) milk and A2 milk are types of protein found in milk. Earlier, FSSAI had issued a directive for companies to stop promoting their products with A1 and A2 milk, calling it "misleading". FSSAI banned the usage of the terms due to the difference between AI and A2 protein structures, which can confuse consumers.

However, Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR)’s governing body member and livestock expert Venugopal Badaravada opposed the decision. He requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to urge FSSAI to withdraw the directive and request a high-level committee to review the issue and take a decision. Highlighting India's vast cattle genetic resources, Badaravada stated that there are special minerals and proteins in the milk and those are beneficial for humans.

What are AI and A2 milk?

When you drink milk, do you ever think of the breed of cow it comes from? No, but it matters as that decides the effects of milk on your health. A1 and A2 milk are specific proteins found in cow's milk. They are a part of casein, which is the largest group of proteins found in milk. While there are numerous types of casein in milk, beta-casein is the second most prevalent. A1 and A2 beta-casein are two of the most common forms of beta-casein.

A2 milk may be healthier than A1 milk. Image courtesy: Freepik

Alpha-1 beta-casein or A1 beta-casein is mainly found in cows from northern Europe including, Holstein, Friesian, Vechur, and Ayrshire. A2 beta-casein, on the other hand, is found in milk of cow breeds such as Jersey, Guernsey, and most Indian cow breeds like Gir and Sahiwal, according to a study published in the journal Animal Biotechnology. Some studies suggest that A2 is better than A1 beta-casein and is healthier.

A1 and A2 milk: Are there any benefits or side effects?

A2 milk is considered healthier than A1 milk. However, it may lead to digestive issues in people with lactose intolerance. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, cow milk may lead to acne breakouts. While there are not many side effects of A1 milk, A2 may lead to certain side effects, including:

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong condition that usually affects children. It occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or does not produce it all. A study published in the journal Diabetologia found that drinking A1 milk can increase the risk of type 1 diabetes in children. Some other studies have also found that A1 beta-casein causes type 1 diabetes in people who are already at risk. It is best to check with your healthcare provider to know for sure.

Digestion problems

Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest milk sugar or lactose. It often leads to problems such as gas, bloating and more. While the lactose in A1 and A2 is believed to be the same, people with A2 milk may cause less bloating than in A1 milk. A study published in the journal The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that milk components other than lactose may cause digestive problems.

Heart disease

One of the most common causes of death around the world, heart disease and A1 milk may be linked. An observational study published in the peer-reviewed journal Medical Hypotheses found a strong link between A1 milk and an increased risk of heart disease. A study published in the journal Atherosclerosis found that A1 milk is atherogenic which promotes the formation of fatty deposits in the arteries. These fat deposits in the arteries increase the risk of developing heart disease. However, the risk of lower in the mice of the study when they were fed A2 milk.

Drinking A1 milk can lead to heart diseases. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

Sudden infant death syndrome

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the unexplained death of a baby that can affect a healthy baby as well. A study published in the journal Peptides found that Beta-casomorphin-7 (BCM-7), a peptide released in your stomach after you drink milk may be the reason behind an increased risk of SIDS. High levels of BCM-7 in the blood of infants who temporarily stopped breathing during sleep, according to a study published in the journal Neuropeptides.

A1 milk is also believed to put you at risk of autism or other diseases. You should be careful of any different symptoms you may experience after consuming A1 milk and consult your healthcare professional about it.

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