Milk Allergy vs Lactose Intolerance: What's The Difference?

What is a milk allergy?

A milk allergy is your body's abnormal immune response to milk and foods that contain milk. Often referred to as a Cow's Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA) in babies, most babies diagnosed with CMPA in early life will outgrow the allergy by 3–5 years of age. Reactions to the milk proteins will range from mild through to more severe and in some cases can cause anaphylaxis, which is life-threatening. A severe reaction requires urgent medical attention by calling an ambulance.

Symptoms of CMPA can appear very soon after consumption or they can be delayed two hours or more after consumption. Symptoms of cow's milk allergy include:

• Rash or hives
• Itching
• Swelling
• Vomiting
• Difficulty breathing
• Loss of consciousness

If you suspect a cow's milk allergy, then it's important to consult a doctor, either your general practitioner or an allergist who will investigate further. They will most likely discuss symptoms with you as well as your family history of allergy. If your doctor decides to investigate further, then allergy testing may be recommended such as a skin prick test, blood test, a food challenge, or an elimination diet.

Once a cow's milk protein allergy has been confirmed then all cow's milk and dairy products will need to be avoided and alternative products such as a plant-based milk used.

What is lactose intolerance?

Lactose intolerance usually involves the digestive system and common symptoms of lactose intolerance include bloating, gas, and diarrhoea.

Lactose intolerance is due to the body not producing an enzyme called 'lactase' which breaks down the milk sugar 'lactose' in the digestive system. Lactose is the main carbohydrate found in cow's milk and dairy products. A person may experience symptoms temporarily because of the small intestine not being able to produce lactase, which sometimes occurs after an illness such as a gastrointestinal bug. In this instance a short-term lactose free diet to relieve symptoms and restore the gut may be all that is needed. More commonly, lactose intolerance is due to genetics and the body's inability to produce enough lactase to digest lactose in the body. Once confirmed by a healthcare professional, it is likely that your doctor will advise that a low-lactose or lactose free diet will need to be followed in the long term.

What if it is not lactose intolerance or a milk allergy?

Milk sensitivity for some people could be related to the beta-casein proteins found in milk rather than the lactose.

Studies show that some individuals may be sensitive to the A1 protein in milk.¹'² These individuals experience digestive discomfort after drinking ordinary milk and may benefit from a milk that contains only A2-type beta-casein protein.

People with A1 protein sensitivity may be able to enjoy a2 Milk®, which is naturally A1 protein free, and may help reduce digestive discomfort.

What are the A1 and A2-type beta-casein proteins in milk?

Over 5,000 years ago all cows produced milk with only A2-type protein. Over time through evolution, some cows began to produce milk containing A1 protein. BCM-7 is released from the digestion of A1 beta-casein protein in the human gastrointestinal system. The presence of A1 beta-casein in ordinary milk may be the reason why some people report not being able to tolerate milk.¹

a2 Milk® is naturally A1 protein free, which limits the release of BCM-7 on digestion.¹

Can people with milk allergy drink a2 Milk®?

People with milk allergies should avoid milk products altogether.

What types of milk are suitable for lactose intolerance?

a2 Milk® Lactose Free is a great option for people with lactose intolerance, providing a delicious alternative. Not all dairy products need to be avoided with lactose intolerance. For example, cheese contains very little lactose and can often be tolerated.

The a2 Milk® difference

Our high-quality a2 Milk® comes from cows that naturally produce milk with only A2-type protein and no A1 protein. It may be easier on digestion than ordinary milk for some milk-intolerant individuals, when consumed as part of a healthy, varied diet.