The difference between regular milk, A2 & lactose-free milk
I recently had the opportunity to catch up with dear family and friends. One of the things we spoke on, amongst other things, was the difference between regular milk and A2 milk and lactose-free milk. I’ve also had many others recently asked about the difference, so this inspired me to research and write about this topic.
(I want to preface that I am not a medical professional. These are just simple suggestions from a dairy advocate.)
It is a proven fact that as we get older our digestive systems do change.
Firstly, if you drink or consume dairy products and your digestive system starts to hurt you, go and see your primary care physician and/or a nutritionist. They can help figure out what the best avenue is to take to get any kind of answers. You can consult with other adversely affected individuals that have the same issues.
Cows’ milk contains around 20% whey protein and 80% beta casein protein. Beta casein (B-casein) is found abundantly in cows’ milk. They can further be classified into two types, one being A1 B-casein and A2 B-casein. Years ago, cows’ milk contained mainly A2 B-casein protein – until we started breeding for more production. It also changed the protein of the milk.
Those who consume regular milk and experience bloating, gas, stomach cramps and other symptoms after consuming dairy products – and your doctor has not confirmed you are lactose intolerant – if you wish to continue to drink milk, A2 or lactose-free milk could be a great alternative.
I bet you’re wondering where A2 milk comes from. It is in the cows’ genetics, most commonly in breeds like Jersey, Guernsey, Brown Swiss and Milking Shorthorn (and some crossbred Holstein).
Farmers that exclusively produce A2 milk have their calves tested by either a blood test or DNA when they are born to tell if they will produce A2 milk or not.
Other animals that naturally produce A2 milk are goats, sheep, buffalo and humans!
Cows’ A2 milk is available in most larger grocery stores in the dairy case. As I am writing this article, Tops in Boonville has A2 whole and 2%, as does Walmart in Lowville.
As a dairy heifer grower, I have had farmers that produce A2 milk call me to see if I have and are willing to have my heifers tested to identify the A2 heifers in my herd. As a dairy product lover and an advocate for the dairy farmers, I have been suggesting that people try A2 milk or lactose-free milk.
Lactose-free milk is 100% real dairy milk that is ultra filtered to remove the lactose (regular milk has 4% natural sugar in the milk). It provides the same nutritional benefits as regular milk without the sugar so people that are truly lactose intolerant can enjoy milk and dairy products without uncomfortable digestive symptoms.
Another great dairy product that has less lactose because of the manufacturing process is Greek yogurt. For example, FAGE BestSelf and Chobani Zero Sugar are lactose-free dairy products. And both products are locally produced and manufactured.
by Farmer Ben Simons
