Beta-casein proteins and infant growth and development

Milk formula is usually based on cows’ milk with the addition of essential nutrients and vitamins. A major protein component of cows’ milk is beta-casein of which there are two primary variants, A1 and A2. Studies have linked a digestive product of A1, but not A2, to an increased risk of type 1 diabetes in some infants, adverse immune responses, digestive disorders and respiratory dysfunction. The A2 protein is more comparable to human beta-casein protein. Formula based on the A2 protein, excluding A1 protein, may more closely mimic breast milk and may help to maintain optimal growth and development in the infant.