Beta-casein A2A2 Protein
Since 2003, following numerous studies on the health benefits of consuming milk with Beta-casein A2A2, there has been growing interest in some countries in Oceania, England, and the USA, leading to the commercialization of milk containing only Beta-casein A2A2.
Milk Protein Variants
There are 13 known variants of Beta-casein, but only two, A1 and A2, are prevalent in the breeds commonly raised for milk production.
Originally, milk predominantly contained Beta-casein A2A2, but with the advent of new genetics starting in the 1950s, the A2A2 component has progressively decreased, replaced by the A1A1 variant, which has become the dominant casein in the milk of the Holstein breed.
Effects on Human Health
This small difference can have consequences once the milk is ingested by humans. During digestion, with the A2 variant, the formation of a protein fragment known as beta-casomorphin 7 is avoided.
Casomorphin can cause several health problems, as medical literature considers it capable of inducing type 1 juvenile diabetes, predisposing individuals to cardiovascular diseases, being one of the causes of milk and dairy intolerance, as well as gastrointestinal disorders, causing skin manifestations such as atopy, and even contributing to atherosclerosis.
La Cigolina supplies this special A2A2 Beta-casein milk to the Pizzighettone Dairy to produce health-conscious cheeses, unique in their kind.