The a2 Milk Company advances global leadership in Beta-Casein science with new research presented at NUTRITION 2026

NEW ZEALAND – The a2 Milk Company has announced new clinical and preclinical research presented at NUTRITION 2026, the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition.

The studies examined infant growth and safety, protein utilization and gastrointestinal biomarkers, and the respective roles of lactose and beta-casein in digestive tolerance.

They add to the company’s research program focused on naturally occurring beta-casein variants and their potential effects on digestion and health.

The NUTRITION 2026 presentations build upon an expanding body of clinical and preclinical evidence examining the differences between A1- and A2-type beta-casein proteins.

Research conducted over the past two decades has shown that milk free from A1-type beta-casein has been associated with improved digestive comfort and reduced gastrointestinal symptoms, lower markers of inflammation, higher antioxidant levels, specifically in individuals with lactose intolerance, and emerging benefits for cognition and quality of life in older adults.

New clinical study demonstrates safety and growth of infant formula made with milk free from A1 Beta-Casein

The a2 Milk Company presented results from a randomized, double-blind controlled trial evaluating the growth and safety of infant formula made with milk free from A1-type beta-casein protein (A1PF) in healthy term infants.

The Growth Monitoring Study, a clinical trial required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for new infant formulas, demonstrated that infants fed A1PF formula experienced normal growth throughout the 16-week study period, meeting the FDA’s predefined non-inferiority criteria when compared with a commercially available infant formula.

Beyond meeting the study’s primary endpoint, additional analyses found that infants receiving the A1PF formula: achieved significantly greater average weight gain (3,577.78 vs. 3,376.50grams), compared with those receiving conventional formula – approximately 6% greater weight gain.

Additionally, it demonstrated significantly greater length gain (12.88 vs. 12.08 cm) compared with infants fed conventional formula – approximately 6.6% greater length gain

According to Kirsty Armstrong, Senior Global Research Manager at The a2 Milk Company, the findings demonstrate that the A1PF formula was safe, nutritionally adequate, and supported infant growth.

New preclinical study examines protein efficiency and gastrointestinal biomarkers

Research presented by Armstrong examined the protein component of an infant formula made with A1PF milk using the Association of Official Analytical Collaboration (AOAC INTERNATIONAL) Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) Official Method 960.48.

Research presented by Armstrong examined the protein component of an infant formula made with A1PF milk using the Association of Official Analytical Collaboration (AOAC INTERNATIONAL) Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) Official Method 960.48.

Key findings included: higher adjusted per compared with casein controls, elevated antioxidant status, reduced gastrointestinal inflammatory markers, improved intestinal barrier function marker, and higher lactase gene and protein expression.

Together, these findings suggest use of A1PF milk in formula may support improved protein quality and create a more favorable gastrointestinal environment for nutrient utilization. Additional research is needed to determine the clinical significance of these findings.

Purdue University researchers advance understanding of milk protein and digestive health 

Purdue University investigators independently conducted the research, with funding provided by The a2 Milk Company. The studies examined the role of A1- and A2-type beta-casein in digestion and metabolism, further contributing to the growing body of scientific evidence on milk protein biology.

Purdue investigators also presented additional research exploring the biological mechanisms underlying A1- and A2-type beta-casein, including studies on gastric emptying, glucose metabolism, and redox biology.

“Our goal is to better understand the factors that contribute to dairy tolerance and digestive health,” said Dennis A. Savaiano, Ph.D., Professor of Nutrition Science at Purdue University. 

“These studies advance our understanding of how naturally occurring differences in milk proteins may influence digestive physiology and metabolic responses, while highlighting the importance of continued clinical research to better understand these complex interactions.”

Nova Southeastern University researchers examine links between milk protein type and inflammation markers

Researchers at Nova Southeastern University independently conducted the research, with funding provided by The a2 Milk Company. Led by neuroscientist Dr Richard Deth, the study explored how naturally occurring differences in milk proteins may influence inflammation in the gut and brain.

“These findings provide new insight into how a natural variation exhibited by a milk protein may influence communication between the gut and brain,” said Richard Deth, Ph.D., Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Nova Southeastern University.

“Understanding these biological pathways helps advance our knowledge of the relationship between nutrition, inflammation and cognitive function.“

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