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Is A2 milk easier to digest?

Woman drinking milk at the breakfast table

If your digestive system doesn’t agree with cow’s milk, A2 milk might be worth a try. Here’s why…

What is A2 milk?

Cow’s milk has two types of protein: casein and whey. The casein protein can be further subdivided into two types: A1 and A2. Regular cow’s milk contains a mixture of A1 and A2 proteins, while A2 milk contains only A2 protein.

How does A2 milk affect digestion?

Your body digests A1 and A2 proteins in slightly different ways, so people who are sensitive to the A1 protein may find their digestive symptoms ease when they consume milk with the A2 protein only.

Is A2 milk a better choice for you?

If you think you might be sensitive to the A1 protein, speak to an accredited practising dietitian about trialling A2 milk.

Article sources and references

  • Jianqin S, Leiming X, Lu X, Yelland GW, Ni J, Clarke AJ. Effects of milk containing only A2 beta casein versus milk containing both A1 and A2 beta casein proteins on gastrointestinal physiology, symptoms of discomfort, and cognitive behavior of people with self-reported intolerance to traditional cows' milk [published correction appears in Nutr J. 2016;15(1):45]. Nutr J. 2016;15:35. Published 2016 Apr 2. doi:10.1186/s12937-016-0147-z
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4818854/
  • agresearch NZ, 22 October 2017. a2 Milk™ digested differently to conventional milk
    https://www.agresearch.co.nz/news/a2-milk-study/
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Date modified: 8 April 2026
First published: Apr 2022

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