Nutri Courses

Advisory

Hello,
I would like to ask whether the mentioned negative effects of casein from cow's milk (A1) also apply to casein A2, for example from buffalo milk. I stopped consuming dairy products due to an acne problem, and I am interested in whether it makes sense to try other types of A2 milk or if it is better not to reintroduce dairy products into my diet.
Thank you.

This issue related to the final decision is still not unanimously resolved in the scientific sphere, with arguments citing the insufficient number of studies conducted. On the other hand, in some countries (New Zealand, Australia, China...), the A2 milk variant is beginning to be preferred directly in the commercial network precisely because of the belief that its consumption does not contribute to the emergence of a number of relatively serious health problems.

Simply explained, the situation is as follows:
Casein is divided into 4 basic fractions, one of which is beta-casein. It can be divided into 12 types, with A1 and A2 being the most important. Research indicates that the A1 variant was originally not present in cow's milk, which arose from a natural mutation about 8,000 years ago. The fundamental difference between the A1 and A2 variants lies in the amino acid composition - at a certain position in the amino acid chain, A1 has proline, while A2 has histidine, causing the two variants to be digested differently (the type and order of individual amino acids in the protein chain account for the individual properties of proteins). It has been discovered that in the A1 variant, the opiate beta-casomorphin-7 (BCM7) is produced through digestion, which is attributed with negative health effects (commonly in chronic issues) - with observed impacts on neurological problems (including autism), digestive and gastrointestinal complications (including a higher incidence of diarrhea, which, by influencing gut microbiota function, can also affect acne formation, which you mentioned), the development of myelomas, and certain cardiovascular issues.

However, because there are currently not enough serious conclusions, it is not possible to claim that most problems are caused by the consumption of A1 variants, and this is related to your issue. Nevertheless, if you are willing to experiment and can source the A2 variant of beta-casein (goat, sheep, buffalo, camel, donkey, and maternal milk, or milk from cattle breeds originating from Asia or Africa), you should certainly explore this direction. Generally, you will still have the option to avoid any animal products altogether if desired.

Themes:  Casein 

Questions answered by

Mgr. Martin Jelinek
Lecturer and author of the educational system

Mgr. Martin Jelínek has been systematically involved in nutrition education since 1999. He is the founder of ATAC, the educational company behind NutriCourses, and the author of an educational system focused on nutrition, healthy lifestyle, and the practical application of nutrition knowledge.

He graduated from the Faculty of Science at Masaryk University in Brno. Throughout his professional career, he has combined nutrition, education, and the practical application of acquired knowledge. His educational system also includes the ZOF (Zone of Optimal Functioning) learning application, where students turn theory into practical work with meal plans.

In 2007, he launched the first intake of a six-month course focused on the education of nutrition advisors. Over time, this course became the foundation for the further development of the educational system and a range of specialised courses.