As a parent, it's hard to see your baby struggling with gut discomfort.

Unsettled babies can be fussy and irritable, making it difficult for both parents and babies to get enough rest. One solution that has been gaining popularity is A2 milk protein, which is believed to help with gut discomfort in babies.

In this blog post, we'll explore what A2 milk protein is and if it can help with gut discomfort in unsettled babies.

What is A2 proteins?

A2 milk protein is a type of protein found in cow's milk. Cow's milk contains two types of proteins: A1 and A2.  A2 milk is a type of cow's milk that is said to contain only the A2 beta-casein protein, as opposed to the more common A1 beta-casein protein found in regular cow's milk. The difference between the two types of protein lies in the amino acid sequence, which affects the way the protein is digested. A1 milk protein contains an amino acid called histidine, which is not found in A2 milk protein.  A1 and A2 are two major beta-casein proteins present in milk. Beta-casein is a primary protein component of milk, which constitutes around 30% of the total protein content. A1 protein is typically found in the milk of cows of European origin, while A2 protein is found in the milk of cows of Asian and African origin, as well as in goat's milk. Some studies have shown that A1 protein in cow's milk can break down into beta-casomorphin-7 (BCM-7) during digestion. BCM-7 is believed to cause inflammation in the gut and contribute to several health issues such as gastrointestinal disorders, heart disease, and type-1 diabetes, however the evidence is limited and more research needs to happen before conclusions can be made.  A1 protein may therefore be responsible for various digestive problems associated with milk consumption, such as bloating, cramping, and diarrhoea and some research shows that this difference in amino acid structure can affect how the body digests the milk protein, potentially causing gut discomfort in some people. A2 milk protein, on the other hand, is believed to be easier to digest for some people. This is because it lacks the histidine amino acid found in A1 milk protein. A2 milk is becoming more popular as a result, with some dairy farms and companies marketing their milk as A2 milk.

How A2 Milk Protein Helps with Gut Discomfort in Unsettled Babies?

Research suggests that A2 milk protein may help with gut discomfort in unsettled babies. One study published in the Journal of Nutrients looked at the effects of A1 and A2 milk protein on gastrointestinal symptoms in young children. The study found that children who consumed A2 milk protein had fewer instances of gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating, constipation, and diarrhoea compared to children who consumed A1 milk protein.

Another study published in the Journal of Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition found similar results. The study examined the effects of A1 and A2 milk protein on digestive symptoms in children with cow's milk protein allergy. The study found that children who consumed A2 milk protein had fewer digestive symptoms compared to children who consumed A1 milk protein. While more research is needed to fully understand the effects of A2 milk protein on gut discomfort in unsettled babies, these preliminary studies show promise.

Choosing A2 Milk Products

If you're interested in trying A2 milk products to help with gut discomfort in your unsettled baby, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, not all dairy products contain A2 milk protein. Some cows naturally produce A2 milk protein, while others produce both A1 and A2 milk protein. Additionally, some dairy companies are now producing milk and dairy products specifically marketed as A2, so be sure to check the labels of the products you're considering. It's also important to note that A2 milk products may not work for everyone. While some babies may benefit from A2 milk protein, others may be allergic or intolerant to cow's milk protein altogether. Always check with your baby's healthcare provider before making any changes to their diet.

But is A2 milk suitable for babies with cow's milk protein allergy? Let's explore.

Cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) is a common condition among infants that can cause digestive discomfort and other adverse reactions. Cow's Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA) CMPA is a type of allergic reaction that occurs when the immune system responds to the proteins found in cow's milk.

The symptoms of CMPA can vary from mild to severe and can include:

- Skin rash

- Stomach pain and cramps

- Diarrhoea

- Vomiting

- Wheezing and difficulty breathing

If your baby is diagnosed with CMPA, it's important to remove all cow's milk and cow's milk-based products from their diet.

A2 milk is not recommended for babies with CMPA. While A2 milk is said to contain only the A2 beta-casein protein, it still contains other proteins found in cow's milk that could trigger an allergic reaction in babies with CMPA. It's important to note that A2 milk is not considered a hypoallergenic formula and should not be used as a substitute for hypoallergenic formulas, which are specifically designed for babies with CMPA. Hypoallergenic formulas are made from hydrolysed proteins, which are broken down into smaller molecules that are less likely to trigger an allergic reaction. To learn more about Cow's Milk Protein Allergy, read this blog 'Does my baby have cow's milk allergy?'

Is Goats Milk an A2 Milk?

Goat's milk formula has become increasingly popular in recent years as more parents are looking for alternatives to traditional cow's milk formula. Goat milk has gained a reputation for being easier to digest and contain more nutrients. Additionally, A2 milk shares some similarities with goat's milk.

What is Goat's Milk?

Goat’s milk is the milk that is produced by female goats. Its properties vary depending on the species of a goat, its diet, and other environmental factors. Like cow's milk, it contains a balance of nutrients such as protein, fat, and carbohydrates, as well as many other vitamins and minerals like calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D. One of the major differences between goat's milk and cow's milk is that goat's milk has a higher fat and protein content.

Additionally, goat's milk is naturally homogenized, meaning that the fat globules are smaller and more evenly dispersed, making it easier to digest.

Benefits of Goat’s Milk

As mentioned, goat's milk is often touted as being easier to digest than cow's milk. This may be because goat's milk proteins are smaller and easier to digest than cow's milk proteins. Goat's milk is also lower in lactose than cow's milk, making it a good option for people who are lactose intolerant. 

Is Goat's Milk and A2 Milk the Same Thing?

While goat's milk and A2 milk share some similarities, they are not the same thing. Goat's milk is milk produced by goats, while A2 milk is cow's milk containing only the A2 protein. Goat’s milk has a higher fat and protein content and is naturally homogenized, while A2 milk is a variation of cow's milk that has been selectively bred to contain only the A2 protein. 

One of the claims made about goat's milk formula is that it is an A2 milk. Goat's milk, however, is not an A2 milk. It contains both A1 and A2 beta-casein proteins. Some breeds of goats, such as the Nigerian Dwarf, have a higher proportion of A2 beta-casein, but most commercially available goat's milk contains both proteins.

Does goat's milk contain more A2 protein than cow's milk?

Various studies have compared the protein composition of goat's milk and cow's milk. According to a study published in the Journal of Dairy Science, goat's milk contains a significantly higher percentage of A2 protein (83%) compared to cow's milk (60-65%). Researchers suggest that this difference is due to the genetic variation in the beta-casein gene present in both milk types. Another study conducted by the French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA) compared the protein composition of goat's milk and cow's milk from different regions. The study found that the A2 protein content in goat's milk varied from 54% to 96%, while cow's milk ranged from 40% to 70% across different regions. The study also found that goat's milk had a lower content of A1 protein than cow's milk, making it a favourable alternative for babies with digestive discomfort.

What are the benefits of A2 protein for babies?

A2 protein is believed to be more easily digestible and less allergenic than A1 protein. Studies have shown that A2 protein is broken down into smaller peptides during digestion, while A1 protein can produce BCM-7, causing gut inflammation and other health issues. A2 protein has also been associated with several health benefits, including improved gut health, reduced inflammatory response, enhanced immune system, and reduced risk of chronic diseases. According to a study published in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, infants fed with goat's milk formula containing A2 protein had reduced signs of gastrointestinal discomfort, such as colic, constipation, and reflux-like symptoms, compared to those fed with cow's milk formula. The study concluded that goat's milk formula with higher A2 protein content had a beneficial effect on the gut microbiota and overall digestive function of the baby.

Conclusion In summary, goat's milk formula contains a significantly higher percentage of A2 protein compared to cow's milk formula. Several studies have shown that A2 protein in goat's milk is less allergenic, more easily digestible, and produces fewer gut inflammatory responses than A1 protein in cow's milk. Therefore, goat's milk formula is a healthy alternative for babies with milk protein allergy or intolerance and can provide several health benefits to the baby. However, it is essential to note that goat's milk formula is not suitable for babies who have a severe milk protein allergy or any other specific dietary needs without consulting a paediatrician beforehand.