Review Article
The Science of A2 Beta Casein - A Critical Review of Global Data and Outcomes of Indian Study
Pranesh Sridharan1* and Chidananda BL2
1Mathruka Cattle Farm & Research Center, India
2Department of Animal Sciences, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore, India
*Corresponding author: Pranesh Sridharan, Mathruka Cattle Farm & Research Center, Bengaluru, India; E-mail: dr.pranesh@gmail.com
Article Information: Submission: 07/01/2020; Accepted: 15/02/2020; Published: 18/02/2020
Copyright: © 2020 Sridharan P, et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Abstract
Milk provides wholesome nutrition, rich in proteins, vitamins and calcium. Recent research has shown milk to be a risk factor for diseases as well. The new
insights on A1 and A2 Beta-Casein proteins in milk has triggered significant interest globally in A2 milk, which is considered safe.
This is a first comprehensive Indian study on A2 and A1 milk, encompassing review of published literature, genetic study of cattle in India and impact of
A1 and A2 milk on health of individuals.
Review of over 60 published in-vivo, in-vitro and epidemiological studies indicate that A1 Beta-casein triggers the opioid peptide cascade, leading to
endogenous production of the opioid peptide BCM-7, that aggravates the risk factors of Type 1 Diabetes, IDDM, CHD, Autism, neurological disorders and
hormonal imbalances.The risks associated with A1 protein have not been associated with A2 beta-casein. Studies also indicate the presence of A2 beta-casein
in Bos Indicus cattle. Yield of BCM-7 from A1A1 milk was observed to be almost 3.2 times more than A1A2 variant of β-casein. However, release of BCM-7/5
could not be detected from A2A2 variant of β-casein. Genetic testing of 7 types of bovine cattle breeds was done in Mathruka Cattle Farm & Research Center,
including 5 Bos Indicus breeds, HF & Jersey. The results of the genetic study show the presence of 100% A2A2 genotype in Bos Indicus cattle including
Hallikar, Amritmahal, Malnad Gidda and Punganur. Gir had mostly A2A2 genotype with one cattle expressing A1A2 genes. HF had 100% A1A1 genotype
and Jersey had predominantly A1A1 genotype, with one cattle expressing A1A2 genotype. In the third part, an epidemiological survey in 79 subjects over
2 years period, showed a significant positive impact of A2 milk on health conditions such as Type 1 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and Gastro-intestinal
disturbances including bloating and indigestion.
This study in Mathruka, shows that while A1 milk is associated with risk factors of diseases in children and adults, A2 milk has been proven to be safe.
The study also confirms the presence of pure A2A2 genotypes in Indian Bos Indicus Cows.