At the 57th Annual Meeting of the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) in Helsinki, groundbreaking research was presented showcasing new health and wellbeing benefits of A1 protein-free A2 Milk for mothers and infants.
The findings came from two new clinical studies conducted in China and sponsored by The a2 Milk Company. The studies specifically investigated the impact of A2 Milk on different mother-infant groups and have shown promising results.
Study 1: Breastfeeding Mothers and Exclusively Breastfed Infants
In this exploratory study, 25 breastfeeding mothers consumed A1 protein-free milk, while another 25 mothers consumed conventional milk. After 14 days, the group consuming A2 Milk showed:
Significantly improved gastrointestinal outcomes
Reduced markers of systemic inflammation
These health benefits were also observed in their exclusively breastfed infants, indicating a maternal transfer of benefits.
Study 2: Mixed-Fed Infants
This real-world evidence study, conducted over eight weeks, involved 140 infants who were mix-fed with both breastmilk and either:
Infant formula made from A2 Milk, or
Conventional infant formula
Infants fed the A2 Milk formula experienced:
Significant improvements in gastrointestinal comfort
Fewer periods of crying at weeks 2 and 4
Ongoing improvements observed through week 8
These results suggest that the A2 milk-based formula may help soothe unsettled infants, offering practical value for parents.
Expert Perspective
Dr. Andrew Clarke, Chief Science Advisor at The a2 Milk Company, welcomed the findings, calling them a “breakthrough” in maternal and infant health research.
“These findings reflect a maternal transfer of benefits. In publishing the outcomes of these studies, we hope to spark greater interest among nutrition and health professionals about the broader role A1 protein-free milk and dairy products could play in population health,” said Dr. Clarke.
He emphasized that the research builds on years of previous clinical studies indicating gastrointestinal benefits from A2 Milk and provides new insights into its potential role in maternal nutrition and infant care.
With these significant findings, A2 Milk remains positioned at the forefront of functional dairy innovation, especially for sensitive groups like breastfeeding mothers and infants.