Frequently Asked Questions
We have launched a2 Milk® Lactose Free in response to growing consumer demand for lactose free milk. Studies have shown that some people who are lactose maldigesters, including some with clinically diagnosed lactose intolerance, may experience fewer symptoms of digestive discomfort after drinking a2 Milk® than after drinking regular cows’ milk. However, some consumers with lactose intolerance, be it medically diagnosed or self-diagnosed, may still feel more confident consuming milk without lactose due to the severity of symptoms which they experience if they exceed their individual tolerance threshold. This may be particularly true for consumers who wish to enjoy larger daily volumes of cows’ milk. a2 Milk® Lactose Free may assist some consumers to tolerate a larger volume of cows’ milk.
Additionally, we recognise that some consumers have been recommended to follow a lactose free diet, or low lactose diet, for medical reasons. This may be due to medically diagnosed lactose intolerance, or as part of a low FODMAP diet for the dietary management of IBS. a2 Milk® Lactose Free makes it possible to continue to enjoy the great taste and benefits of our a2 Milk® without any lactose.
Lactose is the naturally occurring sugar found in milk. People with lactose intolerance do not produce enough lactase to adequately breakdown lactose, which can result in gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating, pain and diarrhoea after consuming milk and other lactose containing dairy products.
Milk from dairy cows contains different proteins, including casein and whey. Approximately one-third of the protein in regular cows’ milk is beta-casein, of which there are two main types - A1 and A2. There is a slight difference in the way the A1 and A2 beta-casein proteins are digested in the body. Some studies have shown that the A1 beta-casein protein may be a contributor to gastrointestinal symptoms following milk ingestion for some people who have difficulty digesting milk.
Although it is commonly assumed that gastrointestinal symptoms experienced after consuming regular milk are due to lactose intolerance, lactose might not be the cause of some people’s digestive discomfort. It is important to talk to your doctor and dietitian to help determine / diagnose if you have lactose intolerance.
Milk from dairy cows contains different proteins, including casein and whey. Approximately one-third of the protein in regular cow’s milk is beta-casein, of which there are two main types - A1 and A2. There is a slight difference in the way the A1 and A2 beta-casein proteins are digested in the body. Some studies have shown that the A1 beta-casein protein may be a contributor to gastrointestinal symptoms following milk ingestion for some people who have difficulty digesting milk.
We encourage all consumers to try drinking our a2 Milk®, to see if it’s the right option for them. If you are able to drink a2 Milk® without experiencing increased symptoms of digestive discomfort, then there is no need to switch to a lactose free product. However, if you are medically diagnosed as lactose intolerant or if you do start to experience symptoms of digestive discomfort after drinking a2 Milk®, then you might wish to try a2 Milk® Lactose Free instead.
If you’re able to enjoy a2 Milk® without experiencing symptoms of digestive discomfort, then there is no need to switch to the lactose free range.
Even people with lactose intolerance can usually tolerate a certain level of lactose (around 12g per day or 1 cup of milk), as they may still produce some lactase. This quantity of lactose may be better tolerated if it is spread across the day. For those who are lactase deficient, regular consumption of lactose containing foods may promote colonic adaptation. This means there may be an increase in lactose digesting bacteria in the colon, which may result in reduced intolerance symptoms.
However, if you do start to experience symptoms of digestive discomfort after drinking regular cows’ milk or our a2 Milk®, then you might wish to try a2 Milk® Lactose Free.
a2 Milk® Lactose Free may be a great option for children with diagnosed lactose intolerance (as distinct from cows’ milk allergy) who are experiencing symptoms of digestive discomfort after consuming a2 Milk® or regular milk. a2 Milk® Lactose Free can also be a good option for children who would like to consume a volume of milk which is greater than their tolerance level, which may limit them to around 1 cup (or 250-300mL) of milk per day.
A 2019 study of 75 Chinese children aged 5-6 years, the majority of whom were confirmed lactose maldigesters, found that subjects who consumed a2 Milk® did not experience an increase in gastrointestinal symptoms including bloating and abdominal pain compared to baseline levels. In contrast, subjects showed a significant increase in gastrointestinal symptoms after consuming regular milk relative to baseline levels. This increase in gastrointestinal symptoms persisted throughout the intervention period in the case of lactose maldigesters. However, lactose tolerant subjects experienced more gastrointestinal symptoms at the start of the intervention but these symptoms decreased as the intervention continued.
This study suggests that some children with milk or lactose intolerance may be able to drink a2 Milk® with fewer symptoms of digestive discomfort than if they consume regular milk. There are currently no studies which consider the potential digestive benefits of milk which is both lactose free and A1 protein free.
Studies have shown that some people who have difficulty consuming milk, including some with clinically diagnosed lactose intolerance, may experience fewer symptoms of digestive discomfort after drinking a2 Milk® than after drinking regular cows’ milk. We encourage all consumers to try drinking our a2 Milk®, to see if it’s the right option for them. Due to growing demand, we have expanded our range of fresh a2 Milk® products to include a2 Milk® Lactose Free, for those who prefer to have a lactose free option.
People with lactose intolerance often avoid cows’ milk and other dairy products. However, research has shown that lactose intolerant individuals can usually tolerate up to 12-15g of lactose per day, which is equivalent to 250ml cows’ milk. The Australian Dietary Guidelines recommends that this amount of cows’ milk may be well tolerated by lactose intolerant individuals when consumed with other foods and spread over the day.
Each person with lactose intolerance will have their own level of tolerance. For those wishing to consume a larger daily volume of cows’ milk, this should be guided by tolerance, or a lactase enzyme supplement may be taken to assist with a larger volume to be tolerated.
Our regular a2 Milk® range contains the same quantity of lactose that is found in regular cows’ milk. The Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend that up to 250mL cows’ milk may be well tolerated by lactose intolerant individuals. This volume may be better tolerated when consumed with other foods and spread over the day.
Each person with lactose intolerance will have their own level of tolerance. For those wishing to consume a larger daily volume of cows’ milk, this should be guided by tolerance. Alternatively, you can now try a2 Milk® Lactose Free.
Lactose free milk tends to have a sweeter taste than regular cows’ milk due to the natural sugar in milk (lactose) being broken down (hydrolysed) into simpler/smaller sugars: galactose and glucose, which have a higher sweetness index as compared to lactose.
The hyrdolysation process involves the addition of a lactase enzyme that is added into the milk to break down the lactose into these simpler/smaller sugars. Rest assured, no sugar or sucrose is added.
