Is A2 Milk Better for Kids’ Gut Health?

What EvenIs A2 Milk?

If you’ve been browsing the dairy aisle and noticed cartons labeled “A2 milk,” you’re not alone. Many parents wonder if it’s just a marketing gimmick, or if A2 milk really offers benefits for their kiddo’s digestion.

Let’s break it down:A2 milk comes from cows that naturally produce only the A2 type of beta-casein protein, rather than both A1 and A2 proteins like most conventional cow’s milk. It’s still real dairy milk, but potentially easier to digest for some people, especially those withmild dairy sensitivities.

So, is A2 milk better for your kid’s gut? Let’s look at what science says.

A1 vs A2 Protein: What’s the Difference?

Milk proteins fall into two major categories:whey andcasein. Casein makes up about 80% of the protein in milk, and within that, there are subtypes: A1 and A2.

• Most regular cow’s milk contains both A1 and A2 beta-casein.

• A2 milk comes from specific cows bred to produce only the A2 type.

Here’s why that matters: When A1 protein is digested, it breaks down into a peptide calledbeta-casomorphin-7 (BCM-7), which may:

• Slow down gut motility

• Cause inflammation or GI discomfort in some individuals

• Trigger gas, bloating, or constipation [3]

A2 protein doesnot create BCM-7 during digestion, making it potentially easier on the gut, especially for kids with dairy-related digestive complaints.

What the Research Says

Several studies in both adults and children suggest A2 milk may reduce digestive symptoms compared to conventional milk:

• A 2020 randomized controlled trial in preschoolers found that kids drinking A2 milk hadless bloating, softer stools, and improved consistency compared to kids drinking conventional milk [1].

• Another study found that A2 milk led tofaster gut transit times and fewer signs of GI inflammation, including in kids with a family history of dairy intolerance [2].

These findings suggest that A2 milk could be agentler option for kids experiencing gas, bloating, or irregular stool patterns with regular milk.

Is It Right for My Kid?

Your kidmay benefit from A2 milk if they:

• Complain of tummy aches after milk

• Seem gassy or bloated after dairy

• Have a history of constipation

• Aren’t diagnosed with a true dairy allergy but don’t seem to tolerate regular milk well

However, if your kid has aconfirmed cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) orlactose intolerance, A2 milk isnot a safe alternative, it still contains cow’s milk protein and lactose.

Always talk to your pediatrician or pediatric dietitian before switching.

How to Support Gut Health Alongside A2 Milk

Switching to A2 milk can be one part of a gut-friendly routine. To help support smoother digestion and stool consistency, pair it with:

• High-fiber fruits (pears, berries, apples)

• Whole grains and veggies

• Prebiotics, like those inGrowing Up Prebiotics, which includechicory root inulin and2’-FL HMO to feed beneficial gut bacteria and promote regularity

Summary

A2 milk may be a gentler dairy option for kids who struggle with mild digestive discomfort from regular cow’s milk. Research shows it may help reduce gas, bloating, and support better poop patterns in some toddlers. While it’s not a cure-all, it can be a helpful switch for certain kiddos, especially when paired with gut-nourishing habits like fiber and prebiotics.