Health implications of milk containing beta-casein with the A2 genetic variant.
Milk from dairy cows has long provided a high quality source of protein and selected micronutrients such as calcium to most populations. Recently, a relationship between disease risk and consumption of a specific bovine ss-casein fraction either A1 or A2 genetic variants has been identified. Populations, which consume milk containing high levels of ss-casein A2 variant, have a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease and type 1 diabetes. Furthermore, consumption of milk with the A2 variant may be associated with less severe symptoms of autism and schizophrenia. The mechanism of action focuses on ss-casein A1 and related forms preferentially that are able to produce a bioactive opioid peptide, ss-casomorphin-7 (ss-CM-7) during digestion. Infants may absorb ss-CM-7 due to an immature gastrointestinal tract. Adults, on the other hand, appear to reap the biological activity locally on the intestinal brush boarder. ss-CM-7 can potentially affect numerous opioid receptors in the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems. Whether there is a definite health benefit to milk containing the A2 genetic variant is unknown and requires further investigation.
Bell
Stacey J
SJ
Research and Development, Ideasphere, Inc., 56 Amherst Road, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA. SBell@ISIBrands.com
Grochoski
Gregory T
GT
Clarke
Andrew J
AJ
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002364:Caseins / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000235:genetics*; D002417:Cattle; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014644:Genetic Variation / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008892:Milk / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011817:Rabbits; D051381:Rats; D012307:Risk Factors
D002364:Caseins