The “A2 β-Casein in Milk and Health – Scientific Discoveries and Future Development” white paper (hereinafter referred to as the “White Paper”) has been officially released.

As China’s first white paper focusing on A2 β-casein in milk (hereinafter referred to as “A2 protein”), it systematically compiles and summarizes the phased research achievements on A2 protein for the first time, filling the gap in this field in China. It not only provides scientific basis for the development of A2 protein-related products but also serves as an authoritative reference for consumers and health education professionals. The white paper was released during the 30th Pediatric Academic Conference and the 19th Perinatal Medicine Academic Conference of the Chinese Medical Association. Coinciding with the deepening implementation of the “Healthy China” strategy, it also helps promote the dairy industry’s transition toward high-quality development and precision nutrition upgrade.

As an important component of daily nutrition, dairy products play a significant role in maintaining health and disease prevention. With the intensification of population aging, the prevalence of chronic diseases, and consumers’ increasing focus on health, the dairy industry urgently needs to upgrade from single nutritional supplements to more targeted precision nutrition solutions. Research findings on A2 protein provide a new pivot for category breakthroughs and product innovation.

The white paper synthesizes decades of scientific research progress, clearly stating that A2 protein is a natural protein type in milk, different from the A1 protein commonly found in regular milk. During digestion, A2 protein hardly produces β-casomorphin-7 (BCM-7) associated with gastrointestinal discomfort, making it more gentle and easier to digest. β-casein in milk is divided into A1 and A2 types, and this scientific understanding is crucial. Substantial evidence indicates that gastrointestinal discomfort experienced by some people after consuming milk or dairy products may be related to metabolites of A1 protein. This fundamental difference provides a new scientific perspective for understanding the gentleness and nutritional strategies of milk protein.

Based on this mechanistic advantage, the white paper systematically summarizes multiple academic achievements regarding the positive effects of A2 protein on the human body, covering various dimensions including the digestive system, immune system, central nervous system, and cardiovascular system. Relevant studies show that using milk or dairy products containing only A2 β-casein can reduce or alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort symptoms to some extent, being more beneficial for supporting digestive system health. Meanwhile, A2 protein helps increase levels of the antioxidant glutathione (GSH) in the human body and may positively influence cognitive function in preschool children and the elderly, warranting further research.

Furthermore, from a protein structure perspective, β-casein in human breast milk is naturally A2 type. This discovery not only reinforces the “maternal affinity” advantage of A2 protein but also provides theoretical support for its application in infant nutrition products. The white paper also points out that consuming dairy products containing only A2 protein can significantly increase the synthesis of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the gut, which may have synergistic effects with key breast milk components such as lactoferrin and human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), offering new scientific exploration pathways for upgrading infant formula from “nutritional supplementation” to “precision fortification.”

These studies reveal the unique advantages of A2 protein for human health, providing important basis for the standardized development of the dairy industry and promoting the industry’s transition toward “scientific and standardized” practices, with broad market potential. With deepening research on A2 protein and continuous improvement of standards, the dairy industry will be better equipped to meet consumers’ demands for precision nutrition, driving the industry into a new phase of high-quality development.

From academic consensus to industrial action, A2 protein is becoming a new variable in the industry, promoting the dairy sector toward more precise and efficient development.

A2 protein research represents not only a breakthrough in academia but also the result of deep collaborative innovation in the industry. The release of the white paper marks the gradual establishment of a bridge between scientific achievements and industrial application. The collaborative development of the A2 protein industry chain is expected to facilitate rapid transformation of research成果.

As the supporting organization of this white paper, a2 Milk Company is not only a pioneer and leading brand in A2 protein but also currently the only company globally exclusively focused on A2 protein (

A2 β-Casein in Milk and Health – Scientific Discoveries and Future Development

This is not a physical place or cultural site, but a scientific topic concerning a specific protein in milk. The history of this research involves the discovery that A2 β-casein, as opposed to the A1 variant, may be easier to digest for some people and less likely to cause discomfort. Future developments are focused on further clinical research and the breeding of cows to produce milk containing only the A2 protein.

White Paper

“White Paper” does not refer to a specific place or cultural site. The term is most commonly used to describe an authoritative report or guide that informs readers concisely about a complex issue and often presents the issuing body’s philosophy on the matter. These documents have a long history in government and business, originating from the British government’s official reports, which were bound in white paper covers.

Healthy China

“Healthy China” is not a specific place or cultural site, but a national strategic initiative launched by the Chinese government. It is a long-term policy framework, formally introduced around 2016, aimed at improving the health and wellness of all Chinese citizens. The strategy focuses on areas such as public health, the healthcare system, and promoting healthy lifestyles across the population.

Pediatric Academic Conference of the Chinese Medical Association

This is not a physical place or cultural site, but a major professional medical conference in China. It is organized by the Chinese Medical Association to facilitate the exchange of the latest research and advancements in pediatric medicine among healthcare professionals. The conference plays a significant role in shaping pediatric healthcare standards and education in the country.

Perinatal Medicine Academic Conference of the Chinese Medical Association

This is not a physical place or cultural site, but a major academic conference in China. It is organized by the Chinese Medical Association to advance the field of maternal-fetal medicine. The conference serves as a key platform for Chinese obstetricians and researchers to share the latest scientific findings and clinical practices for improving the health of mothers and newborns.

A2 Milk Company

The A2 Milk Company is a New Zealand-based dairy producer founded in 2000, specializing in milk that contains only the A2 type of beta-casein protein. The company was established on research suggesting that A2 protein milk may be easier to digest for some people than the more common A1 protein milk found in regular dairy. It has since grown into a globally recognized brand, marketing a range of dairy products in countries like Australia, New Zealand, China, and the United States.

β-casomorphin-7

β-casomorphin-7 is not a place or cultural site, but rather a peptide derived from the digestion of the milk protein casein. It is studied for its potential opioid-like effects in the body and has been researched in connection with dairy consumption and human health. Its history is tied to scientific investigations into food biochemistry and physiology rather than cultural heritage.

glutathione

Glutathione is not a place or cultural site, but rather a vital molecule produced naturally in the human body. It is a powerful antioxidant composed of three amino acids and plays a crucial role in protecting cells from damage, supporting the immune system, and detoxifying the body. Its discovery and study are a significant part of biochemical and medical history, highlighting its importance for maintaining health.