New Zealand company A2 Milk looks set to benefit from the release of the results of the first clinical trial of A1 and A2 milk proteins on human digestion.
The pilot study conducted by the Curtin University in WA and funded by A2 Milk, and published in The European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, suggested there were differences in gastrointestinal responses in some adult humans consuming milk containing beta-casein of either the A1 or the A2 beta-casein type.
The small randomised study involved an eight-week, double-blind study of 41 people who were given A1 or A2 milk. Stool samples were collected and they also recorded abdominal symptoms such as bloating and physical discomfort.
These results, however, require confirmation in a larger study of participants with perceived intolerance to ordinary A1 beta-casein-containing milk, according to the researchers involved.
A2 Milk has captured around five per cent of the Australian fresh milk market on the back of claims the A2 beta-casein protein may help people who suffer intolerance to the A1 protein, though competing dairy processors have opposed the claim as unscientific.
Milk processor Lion, however, recently began using the claim 'naturally contains A2 protein' on its Pura and Dairy Farmers milk brands.
Associate Professor Sebely Pal from Curtin’s School of Public Health and lead researcher, said: “The majority of the milk consumed in Australia contains the A1 protein and at present there is strong debate amongst health professionals and industry about the health effects of milk containing the A1 protein.
“The surprising finding in this study is that ordinary milk drinkers, who did not consider themselves to be milk intolerant, found they had slightly softer stools when they consumed A1 milk as opposed to A2 milk.
“This result may not be so important by itself, however, these softer stools can be associated with increased abdominal pain, and this was highly significant.”
Associate Professor Pal said the preliminary results were very important for medical science and required follow up in other studies in different populations, such as those with perceived intolerance to ordinary A1 beta-casein containing milk or people with irritable bowel syndrome.
“We will be seeking opportunities for further research projects with larger groups into the differences between the A2 beta-casein protein and A1 beta-casein protein in dairy products and their potential impact on human health,” Associate Professor Pal said.
The results of the first clinical trial of A1 and A2 milk proteins on human digestion are out.
