Milk Nutrition

Milk Nutrients

Milk is one of the richest food sources of calcium, which helps build strong bones and healthy teeth. One cup of milk provides between a half to a third of calcium’s recommended daily intake for a child (aged between 1-11 years) and around one third to a quarter of that for an adult. As calcium is present only in very small amounts in most common foods, it may be difficult for individuals who are restricted in their intake of milk and milk products to obtain the recommended amount. For more information on the importance of calcium in the diet, go to the government website http://www.nrv.gov.au/nutrients/calcium.htm. Milk is also naturally packed full of other essential vitamins and minerals, like A, B2, B3, B6, B12, D, E, K and magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc and selenium.

Milk also provides a complete source of protein (both whey and casein) for growth and development and is a natural source of carbohydrate for energy.

Milk Proteins

The two main types of milk proteins are the casein and the whey proteins. These make up to 80% and 20% of the protein content of cow's milk respectively. Other proteins present at low levels in milk include antibodies and iron carrying proteins.

Beta-casein makes up about one third of the total protein content in milk. All cows make beta-casein but it is the type of beta-casein that matters. There are two types of beta-casein: A1 and A2. They differ by only one amino acid. Such small differences in the amino acid composition of proteins can result in the different protein forms having different properties.

Digestive Wellbeing and a2 Milk™

Most fresh milk supermarket brands today contain both the A1 and A2 type beta-casein proteins. a2 Milk™ comes from cows specially selected to produce A2 beta-casein protein to the exclusion of A1 beta-casein protein. These differences in protein composition between a2 Milk™ and other milk varieties may mean that digestive wellbeing after drinking cow’s milk may be affected. Why not feel the difference and switch to a2 Milk™?

Note: a2 Milk™ contains lactose. Lactose is the sugar which is present in all milk, unless it is labeled ‘lactose free’. If you have been diagnosed with lactose intolerance by your doctor, a2 Milk™ will not resolve any digestion problems.