We have summarized our frequently asked questions into 3 categories. They are:
• Who, what & why a2 milk™
• Benefits
• Where to buy
Who, what & why a2 milk™
What is a2 milk™?
a2 milk™ is just like other milk except it is produced to contain a maximum amount of the 'A2' protein. Click here for a more detailed description.
How do I know its a2 milk™?
By the certification splash logo found on a2 milk™ products:
How did a2 milk™ originate?
The potential advantages of a2 milk™ were first identified through epidemiological studies which showed that in countries where the dairy herds produced a higher proportion of the A2 protein in their milk, there was a significantly lower incidence of childhood diabetes and coronary heart disease. At some point in history, owing to herd diversity through breeding or natural genetic mutation, a variant of the A2 gene and its associated protein appeared. a2 milk™ is produced using naturally selected cows that produce only A2 beta caseins in milk.
If I can't get a2 milk™, should I avoid milk altogether?
If you are aware of or concerned about a specific medical reason why you should not drink standard mik, then you should consult your doctor and only drink milk on his or her advice. Standard cows milk is an excellent food source and provides many nutritional benefits that are vital to human health and development, especially for children. For most people, these benefits heavily outweigh any potential health risks.
Is a2 milk™ a product of genetic engineering or modification (GE or GM)?
Absolutely not! a2 milk™ is obtained naturally from cows specially selected for their genetic makeup.
Is a2 milk™ organic?
Not necessarily. Some farmers and processors producing a2 milk™ do follow organic principles, but that is purely incidental. It simply indicates that producers who are interested in the highest standards of natural purity and safety see a2 milk™ as consistent with their objectives. But non-organic farmers can easily produce a2 milk™.
Where can I find out about the nutritional information for a2 milk™?
You can find nutritional information on the label of every a2 milk™ bottle for each product.
What breeds of dairy cattle produce the highest amounts of the a2 protein?
Generally it is accepted that the Guernsey breed of cattle have the highest frequency of the A2 gene, and thus Guernsey herds produce milk with high levels of A2 beta casein. Though not as high as the Guernseys, Jersey cows also produce milk containing high levels of A2. Holstein and Friesian breeds carry the A1 and A2 genes in roughly equal proportions.
Sire programs and artificial insemination cattle can however greatly displace the frequency of beta casein genes from generation to generation, owing to the phenomena termed the 'founder effect'. Thus one can only generalize about the level of A2 a herd may collectively produced until tested.
Benefits
What are the benefits of a2 milk™?
As well as offering all the nutritional benefits of standard milk some studies suggest that consumption of a2 milk™ help some individuals further realise the benefits associated with milk. These studies suggest a lower incidence of heart disease and type 1 diabetes associated with the A2 beta casein protein. There is also research relating to ASD (Autistic Spectral Disorder). Please follow this link to understand more about the underlying science from which a2 milk™ stems, and this link for feedback from consumers.
How and why can this be plausible?
a2 milk™ is produced to contain only the A2 type of a major milk protein (~1%w/v), which interestingly has been shown to be the original (or progenitor) beta casein gene. Following digestion A2 does not yield a protein fragment (BCM-7) that has been shown to have biological effects which could potentially affect some people. Please follow this link to understand more about bioactives in milk and the underlying science from which A2 milk™ stems.
Is a2 milk™ suitable if I am milk protein allergic?
So far as we are aware, a2 milk™ is no more or less allergenic than ordinary milk. Both a2 milk™ and ordinary milk contain the proteins implicated in milk allergies. Despite some anecdotal reports from a2 milk™ consumers noting a reduction in allergic reactions, we do not know of any reason why this should occur. We recommend that if you have a milk protein allergy, you should consult your doctor before trying a2 milk™
Does a2 milk™ cure or alleviate disease conditions?
We do not claim that a2 milk™ has medicinal or curative properties, but the epidemiological evidence suggests that drinking a2 milk™ rather than standard milk may reduce the disease risks for some individuals who are predisposed towards certain conditions. There have also been anecdotal reports from families who have switched to a2 milk™ that it has led to noticeable differences in the symptoms. Please follow this link to understand more about the underlying science from which a2 milk™ stems, and this link for feedback from consumers.
Does a2 milk™ contain lactose?
Yes, a2 milk™ contains levels of lactose comparable to that of standard milk.
Does a2 milk™ contain the same amount of calcium as regular milk?
Yes, a2 milk™ contains roughly the same amounts of calcium and other important minerals as other unfortified milks.
Is a2 milk™ suitable for my baby or children?
If standard milk is suitable for your baby or children, a2 milk™ would certainly be also. We strongly recommend that you consult your family's medical practitioner if milk is not currently consumed and you wish to introduce it to their diet.
Where to buy?
Since 2003, a2 milk™ has been on supermarket shelves in New Zealand and Australia with a choice of products. To view our 2 licensees product ranges within New Zealand please click here. To view the product range in Australia, please click here.
Where can I buy a2 milk™?
Please follow this link.
Why is a2 milk™ not yet available throughout New Zealand?
A2 Corporation has two licensed processors in New Zealand who produce and distribute a2 milk™. We encourage the wider distribution and availability of a2 milk™ in New Zealand unfortunately due to high distribution costs, distribution to certain areas in New Zealand has been prohibitive for our processors.
We hope that as the demand for a2 milk™ grows in New Zealand, so will its distribution, and we are working with our Processors to help achieve this. If you want a2 milk™ available in your area, please make a request to your local retailers to contact our Processors about this.