Milk is a staple in most household fridges and has been for generations because of its nutritional benefits and delicious creamy taste. From our favorite dishes to our favorite times of the year, it’s hard to think of a time when milk wasn’t a key ingredient. For some, however, these memories are coupled with bloating, gas and discomfort. This has led many to believe they are intolerant to milk and have to give up milk completely.

With so much information available online, determining the difference between milk sensitivity, a milk allergy or a milk intolerance can become very confusing. In this blog, you’ll discover key differences between a milk allergy and a milk intolerance.

A milk allergy is your body’s abnormal immune response to milk and foods that contain milk. Often referred to as Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA) in babies - most babies diagnosed with CMPA in early life will outgrow the allergy by 3-5 years of age. The reaction to milk in this instance can be life-threatening.

Some symptoms of milk allergies may include:

• Rash or hives
• Itching 
• Swelling
• Vomiting
• Difficulty breathing
• Loss of consciousness

Milk intolerance is different from a milk allergy. A milk intolerance usually involves the digestive system; milk allergy involves an immune response. Milk intolerance may be due to the milk sugar - ‘lactose’ or the milk protein - A1 beta-casein. Lactose intolerance is the most common milk intolerance. It can develop over time as you age, via your genetics, or as a result of an illness or injury to the small intestines such as a gastrointestinal bug. Common symptoms of lactose intolerance include bloating, gas, and diarrhea and should always be confirmed by a medical test.

Studies suggest that sensitivity to milk may be more related to milk proteins rather than lactose. In tests, the A1 beta-casein protein was more significantly linked to abdominal pain and inflammation vs the milk protein, A2 beta-casein. A1 protein was more likely to cause symptoms commonly thought to be associated with lactose intolerance.

Protein is what helps our bodies heal and build new muscles, bones, and hormones. But the type of protein in milk is the cause of recent concern. Studies show that sensitivity to the A1 protein in milk is one cause of the abdominal discomfort experienced when drinking milk and that A2 protein is the more digestible protein in dairy.

Today’s dairy cows produce two types of protein called A1 and A2 but they didn’t always. Cows previously only produced the A2 protein. Due to a genetic mutation through the cow’s evolutionary process that is believed to have happened approximately 10,000 years ago, 2/3 of dairy cows today produce both A1 and A2 proteins, and that makes up the majority of the milk you’ll find on the shelves. 

But not our a2 Milk® cows…

Some cows still ONLY produce A2/A2 milk like their bovine ancestors. So at a2 Milk®, we separate A2/A2 protein cows from the rest of the herd via genetic testing to produce True A2/A2 herds. Then we test each batch of milk to ensure it meets the a2 Milk® standard for consistency, quality, and purity. 

People with an A1 protein sensitivity may be able to happily enjoy a2 Milk®. However, those with milk allergies should avoid milk products altogether. Because a2 Milk® still contains lactose, it is not recommended for those who’ve been diagnosed with lactose intolerance. 

Whether you think you have a milk allergy or intolerance, talk to your doctor to learn the underlying cause. Enjoying the foods you love should always be a part of a holistic, balanced lifestyle. Because A2/A2 milk may cause less discomfort, our customers love that they can enjoy milk again. It’s why they say, “It’s milk, but better!” Find a2 Milk® at a grocer near you.