Devil In The Milk: Illness, Health and the Politics of A1 and A2 Milk

FAB RESEARCH COMMENT:

This groundbreaking book is the first to be published internationally that examines the link between one of the proteins in the milk we drink and a range of serious illnesses, including heart disease, Type 1 diabetes, autism and schizophrenia. These health problems are linked to a tiny protein fragment that is formed when we digest A1 beta-casein, a milk protein produced by many cows in New Zealand, Australia and other western countries.

Detailed Description

Milk that contains A1 beta-casein is commonly known as A1 milk, whereas milk that does not is called A2. Originally all milk was A2 until a mutation affecting some European cattle occurred some thousands of years ago. Herds in much of Asia, Africa and parts of southern Europe remain naturally high in A2 cows. A2 milk from selected cows is now marketed in much of Australia, and in parts of the USA and New Zealand.

In Devil in the Milk Keith Woodford, Professor of Farm Management and Agribusiness at Lincoln University in New Zealand, brings together the evidence published in more than 100 scientific papers. He examines the population studies that look at the link between the consumption of A1 milk and the incidence of heart disease and Type 1 diabetes; he explains the science that underpins the A1/A2 hypothesis; and examines the research undertaken with animals and humans. The evidence is compelling: we should be switching to A2 milk.

This is an amazing story, one that is not just about the health issues surrounding A1 milk, but also how scientific evidence can be moulded and withheld by vested interests, and how consumer choices are influenced by the interests of corporate business. Devil in the Milk is a book of enormous public importance.

Latest Edition (October 2010) - Postscript

Since Devil In The Milk was first published in September 2007, the story has moved on considerably. The purpose of this postscript is therefore to update events through to October 2010, recognising that it will continue to be an ongoing story, and only time will allow some events to be seen in their appropriate context. Essentially, there are three parts to the ongoing story. The first is about the politics of milk and health, how information is communicated, and market responses. The second is about what is happening 'behind the scenes' to Australian and New Zealand dairy herds. The third is about new science that is providing exciting new information. All three parts of the ongoing story are important to an overall understanding.