On Monday, August 26, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) withdrew its recent advisory directing food businesses to remove 'A1' and 'A2' milk claims from packaging. FSSAI stated that the advisory was retracted to allow for further consultations with stakeholders. As a result, food business operators (FBOs) can continue selling and marketing products with 'A1' and 'A2' milk claims.What Is A1 and A2 Milk?The main difference between the A1 and A2 milk is their protein content. Casein is the largest group of protein found in the milk which makes up for about 80% of its total protein content. Beta-casein protein is the second most prevalent that exists.A1 beta-casein: This is the milk from breeds of cows that originate in northern Europe. The breeds include Holstein, Friesian, Ayrshire, and British Shorthorn. A2 beta-casein: This is found in the breeds that trace their origin in the Channel Islands and southern France. The breeds include Guernsey, Jersey, Charolais, and Limousin cows.While regular milk contains both A1 and A2 beta-casein, A2 milk only contains the A2 beta-casein. Why Does It Matter?Some studies suggest that A1 beta-casein maybe harmful, which is found in regular milk. When A1 beta-casein is digested, an opioid peptide called the beta-casomorphin-7 (BCM-7) is released, which may be linked to Type 1 diabetes, heart diseases, infant death, autism and digestive problems, as reports Healthline. However, there is no definite proof of to what extent does BCM-7 get absorbed in healthy adults' blood, but a few tests indicate the presence of BCM-7 in infants. Multiple studies suggest that consuming A1 milk during childhood may increase the risk of developing type 1 diabetes. However, these findings are based on observational research, meaning they can only show an association, not prove that A1 beta-casein directly causes type 1 diabetes.Animal studies on the effects of A1 beta-casein have shown mixed results, with some indicating no difference between A1 and A2 beta-casein, while others report protective or adverse effects on type 1 diabetes.To date, no clinical trials in humans have examined the impact of A1 beta-casein on type 1 diabetes.Heart HealthIn a rabbit study, A1 beta-casein was found to increase fat buildup in injured blood vessels, whereas A2 beta-casein resulted in much lower fat accumulation. Excessive fat buildup can potentially block blood vessels and contribute to heart disease, although the relevance of these findings to humans is still debated.To date, two studies have examined how A1 milk affects heart disease risk factors in humans. In one trial involving 15 adults at high risk of heart disease, no significant negative effects were noted. Both A1 and A2 beta-casein had similar impacts on blood vessel function, blood pressure, blood fats, and inflammatory markers.Another study found no significant differences in the effects of A1 and A2 casein on blood cholesterol. Sudden Infant Death SyndromeA 2011 study called The exogenous opioid peptides and DPPIC serum activity in infants with apnoea expressed as apparent life threatening events (ALTE) found that high levels of BCM-7 in the blood of infants temporarily stopped breathing during their sleep. This is called sleep apnea and can lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). AutismAutism is a mental condition marked by difficulties in social interaction and repetitive behaviours.Some researchers think that peptides like BCM-7 might be linked to autism, but studies haven't fully supported these ideas.Another study suggests that cow’s milk might worsen behavioural symptoms in children with autism, but other research found no effect on behaviour. No studies have specifically looked at how A1 and A2 milk affect autism symptoms.Digestive HealthLactose intolerance is the inability to fully digest milk sugar (lactose), leading to bloating, gas, and diarrhea.Both A1 and A2 milk contain the same amount of lactose, but some people find A2 milk causes less bloating. Studies suggest that other milk components, not just lactose, might cause digestive discomfort.One study showed that A1 milk caused softer stools compared to A2 milk in some people, while another study found A2 milk resulted in less digestive discomfort after meals.