A1 and A2 Milk
(Updated September 2007)
It has been suggested that A2 milk provides levels of protection to consumers from autism in children as well as schizophrenia, diabetes and heart disease. Food Standards Australia New Zealand does not believe that the available information warrants any amendment to the Food Standards Code.
What is A1 and A2 milk?
Milk contains many types of proteins. The proportion of various proteins can be quite different in the milk from different breeds of cows and in the milk from other animals.
Of the six major protein types in cow's milk, four are casein proteins and the other two are whey proteins. The caseins usually make up about 80% of the protein in cow's milk. One of the major caseins is beta -casein. There are different beta casein types, but the most common are beta casein A1 (milk high in this type is known as A1 milk) and beta casein A2 (milk high in this type is known as A2 milk).
Certain breeds of cows, such as Friesians, produce mostly A1 milk, whereas other breeds, such as Guernseys, as well as sheep and goats, produce mostly A2 milk. Milk produced in Australia and New Zealand is normally a mix of A1 and A2 milks.
What does FSANZ think of these claims?
FSANZ has considered the very limited scientific evidence available on comparative health effects of the two milks and discussed the issue internally and at Board level. FSANZ has noted that further research is in progress and concluded that, while there are some interesting hypotheses being examined, it could not proceed with regulatory action on the basis of the available evidence. FSANZ has not received any applications to amend the milk provisions of the Food Standards Code to consider A1 or A2 milk.
Should consumers avoid milk?
No FSANZ recommends that milk should continue to be regarded as a safe and nutritious component of the diet for most people.