Main description:

This book compiles the latest research on the A1 and A2 forms of cow milk, and attempts to show a correlation between the type of cow milk consumption and reported incidence of certain diseases (type 1 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, sudden infant death syndrome and neurological disorders). Cow milk generally contains two types of -casein, A1 or A2. The book describes the A1/A2 hypothesis, its foundation and the genetics behind it. It discusses the two forms of milk and why one is considered more harmful than the other.

Seeking to provide a balanced view of the milk types, the book's initial chapters highlight the structure, function and physiological activity of -casomorphins. Subsequent sections describe the health concerns associated with A1 milk, and the various case studies and research surrounding it. In turn, the arguments against the hypothesis put forward by EFSA, American Nutritionists and Truswell are also highlighted.

The book does not make any recommendations for dairy consumers; rather, it is a collection of essential data both in favour and against the hypothesis. Further mechanistic studies involving well-designed animal and human trials at the cellular, molecular, biochemical and immunological levels will be needed in order to draw sound conclusions. Overall, the hypothesis is fascinating, and possibly significant. However, verified and authenticated research with reproducible results is needed to make final consumer recommendations. This timely book offers a valuable resource for researchers and students of dairy science, as well as industry experts.

Contents:

1. Cow Milk1.1 Introduction to Cow Milk1.2 Cow milk proteins1.3 Cow milk caseins1.4 Casein Derived Bioactive Peptides1.5 -Caseins Variants 1.5.1 Frequency of -Casein (A1/A2 ) Variants in Cows 1.5.2 Methods of Screening -Casein (A1/A2 ) variants
2. A1/A2 Cow Milk Hypothesis2.1 Introduction to A1/A2 Milk Hypothesis2.2 Foundation A1/A2 Milk Hypothesis2.3 Genetics of A1/A2 Milk Hypothesis2.4 Evidences Supporting Hypothesis
2.4.1 Ecological, Case Controls, Animal Studies 2.4.2 Biochemical Mechanism 2.4.3 Pharmacological Activity 2.4.4 Consumer Experiences2.5 Commercialization of -Casein Protein Variants
3. -Casomorphins I (Properties)3.1 Structure of -Casomorphins3.2 Types of -Casomorphins3.3 Production of -Casomorphins 3.3.1 Milk 3.3.2 Infant Formula 3.3.3 Cheese 3.3.4 Fermented milk3.4 Absorption of -Casomorphins3.5 Milk Processing and -Casomorphins Release
4. -Casomorphins II (Physiological Activity)4.1 Gastrointestinal Activity4.2 Respiratory Effects4.3 Behavioral and Endocrinological Effects4.4 Immunological Perspective of -Casomorphins 4.4.1 Mucus Secretion and Innate Immunity 4.4.2 Lymphocyte Proliferation and Cellular Immunity 4.4.3 Milk Protein Allergy 4.4.4 Gut inflammation
5. A1 Milk and Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM)

5.1 A1 Milk and Health Concerns

5.2 A1 Milk and T1DM

5.3 Evidences Supporting A1 Milk Consumption and Incidence of T1DM

5.3.1 Ecological studies

5.3.2 Case Control Studies

5.3.3 Animal Trials

6 A1 Milk and Heart Diseases

6.1 Introduction to Heart Diseases

6.2 A1 Milk and Cardiovascular Diseases

6.3 Evidences Supporting Intake of A1 Milk and Incidence of Heart Diseases

6.3.1 Etiology and Hypothesis

6.3.2 Ecological Studies

6.3.3 Clinical Case Controls

6.3.4 Animal Evidence

7 A1 Milk and Neurological Disorders

7.1 Background

7.2 Autism and Schizophrenia

7.3 A1 Milk and Implications with Autism and Schizophrenia

8. Conclusions and Perspectives