FSSAI lifts ban on advertising of A1 and A2 milk: What are these milk varieties?

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has withdrawn its recent directive to ban the sale of dairy products labeled as A1 and A2 milk. For the uninitiated, Alpha-1 (A1) milk and A2 milk are types of proteins found in milk. Earlier, the FSSAI had issued a directive to companies to stop promoting their products as A1 and A2 milk, calling it “misleading.” The FSSAI banned the use of the terms because of the difference in protein structures between AI and A2, which can confuse consumers.

However, Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) governing body member and livestock expert Venugopal Badaravada opposed the move. He asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to urge FSSAI to withdraw the directive and ask a high-level committee to look into the matter and take a decision. Highlighting the vast genetic resources of Indian livestock, Badaravada said there are special minerals and proteins in milk and they are beneficial for humans.

What are AI and A2 milk?

When you drink milk, do you ever think about the breed of cow it comes from? No, but it is important because it determines the effects of milk on your health. A1 and A2 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 common. A1 and A2 beta-casein are two of the most common forms of beta-casein.

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

A1 and A2 Milk: Do They Have Benefits or Side Effects?

A2 milk is considered healthier than A1 milk. However, it can cause digestive problems in people with lactose intolerance. According to the American Academy of DermatologyCow’s milk can cause acne breakouts. While there aren’t many side effects of A1 milk, A2 milk can cause some side effects, including:

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Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong condition that usually affects children. It occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough or all of the insulin. A study published in the journal Diabetology found that drinking A1 milk may increase the risk of type 1 diabetes in children. Other studies have also found that A1 beta-casein causes type 1 diabetes in people who are already at risk. It is best to consult your doctor to be 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 thought to be the same, people with A2 milk may experience less bloating than A1 milk. A study published in the journal The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition They found that other components of milk, besides lactose, can cause digestive problems.

Heart disease

One of the world’s most common causes of death, 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 fatty deposits in the arteries increase the risk of developing heart disease. However, the risk of was lower in the study mice when they were fed A2 milk.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the unexplained death of a newborn that can affect even a healthy infant. A study published in the journal Peptides have found that Beta-casomorphin-7 (BCM-7), a peptide released in the stomach after drinking milk, may be the cause of an increased risk of SIDS. Elevated levels of BCM-7 in the blood of newborns who temporarily stopped breathing during sleep, according to a study published in the journal Neuropathies.

It is also believed that A1 milk may put you at risk for autism or other diseases. You should be aware of any other symptoms you may experience after consuming A1 milk and consult your doctor.