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Devil in the Milk: Illness, Health and the Politics of A1 and A2 Milk
This groundbreaking work is the first internationally published book to examine the link between a protein 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 the United States and northern European countries. Milk that contains A1 beta-casein is commonly known as A1 milk; milk that does not is called A2. All milk was once A2, until a genetic mutation occurred some thousands of years ago in some European cattle. A2 milk remains high in herds in much of Asia, Africa, and parts of Southern Europe. A1 milk is common in the United States, New Zealand, Australia, and Europe. In Devil in the Milk , Keith Woodford brings together the evidence published in more than 100 scientific papers. He examines the population studies that look at the link between 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 he examines the research undertaken with animals and humans. The evidence is We should be switching to A2 milk. A2 milk from selected cows is now marketed in parts of the U.S., and it is possible to convert a herd of cows producing A1 milk to cows producing A2 milk. This is an amazing story, one that is not just about the health issues surrounding A1 milk, but also about how scientific evidence can be molded and withheld by vested interests, and how consumer choices are influenced by the interests of corporate business.
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 9, 2020
Woodford puts forward some really compelling ideas and possibilities, but still I am not sure there was a book in this. The problem is, as he freely admits, his hypothesis still needs to be further substantiated and so as a result it is hard to know what to really make of this beyond…hmm that’s an interesting idea?...
Ultimately this book comes down to dairy genetics and a tiny protein fragment called BCM7 (beta-casomorphin-7), a product of A1 type milk. This milk contains A1 beta-casein, digestion of this leads to the release of BCM7, which doesn’t occur at all in A2 milk. BCM7 is a powerful opioid. Woodford and many others have made a case for this causing or contributing to heart disease, diabetes and possibly autism and schizophrenia, as well as possible links to the likes of MS, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and coeliac disease.
We learn that this A1 type appears to be unique to Western cattle, or cattle that have traces of western genes in them. It typically takes about 10 years (roughly two generations of cows) to make the change from A1 to A2 milk. Bovine milk is about 87% water and 13% solids. (Holstein/Friesian cows have around 12% solids, whereas Jerseys have around 15%).
This book suffers from some wooliness. The longer it goes on the more it loses shape and gets distracted by competing scientists, and the whole “he said she said” nonsense becomes tiresome, and detracts from the main issue, leaving a real parochial feel about it. It gets bogged down in tedious details, and this is where a better editor would/should have stepped up and cleaned it up instead of allowing it to veer off course to the point the message of this book gets buried under a white noise of petty squabbling, academic rivalry and scientific one-upmanship.
So when all is said and done what we have here is an interesting starting point and ultimately a half-baked theory. Woodford is right to be suspicious of the dairy industry, Fonterra and all of the scientists in their pay, but that doesn’t prove his point to any satisfying extent. There is some really interesting stuff in here, but there is also a lot of padded out filler and unfinished business, which doesn’t do justice to his intentions at all.
December 20, 2016
Woodford's thesis is that cows carrying the A1 mutation (like the Holsteins everybody uses these days) produce inferior milk linked to various diseases. That's because the A1 protein basically breaks down into a form of morphine. The alternative is to drink milk from cows *without* the A1 mutation, i.e., "traditional" cows with the original A2 protein. That way you can avoid the casomorphins.
Woodford might be on to something here. My experience drinking A1 and A2 milk makes me think he's probably right (Holstein milk makes me sleepy, whereas Guernsey milk never does), and it makes sense to argue that a mutation is bad. Nevertheless, it's clear that more data is needed before he can make a conclusive case. If you're going to make statements this strong, you need a lot more than a few statistical correlations. Ultimately, it's just not as simple as Woodford makes it out to be. I would definitely recommend reading this presentation if you want to hear a good rebuttal of "Devil in the Milk."
Another problem: contrary to Woodford's simplifications, you can't just rely on "traditional cow breeds" to have A2 milk. Analyzing the beta-casein content across different breeds shows that Holstein milk is 66% A1 mutation (that's 66% evil according to Woodford). What's surprising is that Jersey milk isn't far behind, weighing in at 50% A1. If you really want to escape the devil in the milk, it seems your only resort is to drink Guernsey milk, which is a heavenly 98% A2. Either that, or just drink goat/sheep/buffalo/human milk. Just to be on the safe side, my family is drinking Guernsey milk. (Here in London we have a choice between raw Jersey milk and raw Guernsey milk, so I figure we might as well choose the latter.)
EDIT: 5 years later, I now think Woodford is probably wrong. His evidence was always weak at best, and these days I'm less willing to believe a hypothesis with weak supporting evidence. Therefore I'm inclined to think the A1 mutation is totally harmless. For the past couple years my family has been drinking Holstein milk almost exclusively (partly because it's more widely available, and partly because I prefer the sweeter taste of Holstein milk). And upon further reflection, Holstein milk does NOT make me sleepy. I don't know why I ever thought that, ha.
Woodford might be on to something here. My experience drinking A1 and A2 milk makes me think he's probably right (Holstein milk makes me sleepy, whereas Guernsey milk never does), and it makes sense to argue that a mutation is bad. Nevertheless, it's clear that more data is needed before he can make a conclusive case. If you're going to make statements this strong, you need a lot more than a few statistical correlations. Ultimately, it's just not as simple as Woodford makes it out to be. I would definitely recommend reading this presentation if you want to hear a good rebuttal of "Devil in the Milk."
Another problem: contrary to Woodford's simplifications, you can't just rely on "traditional cow breeds" to have A2 milk. Analyzing the beta-casein content across different breeds shows that Holstein milk is 66% A1 mutation (that's 66% evil according to Woodford). What's surprising is that Jersey milk isn't far behind, weighing in at 50% A1. If you really want to escape the devil in the milk, it seems your only resort is to drink Guernsey milk, which is a heavenly 98% A2. Either that, or just drink goat/sheep/buffalo/human milk. Just to be on the safe side, my family is drinking Guernsey milk. (Here in London we have a choice between raw Jersey milk and raw Guernsey milk, so I figure we might as well choose the latter.)
EDIT: 5 years later, I now think Woodford is probably wrong. His evidence was always weak at best, and these days I'm less willing to believe a hypothesis with weak supporting evidence. Therefore I'm inclined to think the A1 mutation is totally harmless. For the past couple years my family has been drinking Holstein milk almost exclusively (partly because it's more widely available, and partly because I prefer the sweeter taste of Holstein milk). And upon further reflection, Holstein milk does NOT make me sleepy. I don't know why I ever thought that, ha.
August 10, 2012
Depending on where you stand on the milk debate and if you are interested in the A1 A2 controversy of the milk industry, this is a great book. It will make you think twice before you pick up your milk at that box store next time.
October 3, 2025
Keith Woodford's book is an accessible introduction to the concerns and controversy surrounding A1 and A2 milk. Here he presents research and theories connecting consumption of A1 milk to heart disease, Type 1 diabetes, mental disease, autoimmune disease, and allergies / sensitivities.
Briefly, in the beta-casein of A1 milk (virtually all milk available in the American market), the amino acid position 67 is taken by histidine (rather than proline, as in A2 milk). Because the histidine is a weak link in the chain, digestion of the beta-casein consistently breaks down to produce a sequence of seven amino acids known as BCM7—a recognized morphine. (The proline in the beta-casein of A2, by contrast, provides such a strong chemical link, that it will never, it is said, break down during digestion to produce BCM7.)
This production of BCM7 is especially damaging if the intestinal system has been compromised, such as by ulcers or damaged intestinal villi. In this case, the morphine has free entrance into the bloodstream, and can cross the blood-brain barrier, as well as cause problems at various other sites of the body. Even without a leaky gut, BCM7 slows passage through the intestines, allowing lactose to ferment in the intestines and thus exacerbating lactose sensitivity / intolerance and other digestive problems.
Briefly, in the beta-casein of A1 milk (virtually all milk available in the American market), the amino acid position 67 is taken by histidine (rather than proline, as in A2 milk). Because the histidine is a weak link in the chain, digestion of the beta-casein consistently breaks down to produce a sequence of seven amino acids known as BCM7—a recognized morphine. (The proline in the beta-casein of A2, by contrast, provides such a strong chemical link, that it will never, it is said, break down during digestion to produce BCM7.)
This production of BCM7 is especially damaging if the intestinal system has been compromised, such as by ulcers or damaged intestinal villi. In this case, the morphine has free entrance into the bloodstream, and can cross the blood-brain barrier, as well as cause problems at various other sites of the body. Even without a leaky gut, BCM7 slows passage through the intestines, allowing lactose to ferment in the intestines and thus exacerbating lactose sensitivity / intolerance and other digestive problems.
February 17, 2020
This book made me to realise that I wasn't aware of the milk I have been drinking all my living. Book mainly focuses on two types of proteins available in milk - A1 Beta Casein and A2 Beta Casein. Milk also have whey protein but that's of no harm so not been mentioned. I was told by my relation to read this book and started reading. Book describes about side effects of A1 milk which produces BCM7 protein strand (whilst digestion) and harmful to health. Book also describes on how A1 is can cause Type 1 diabetes, heart diseases (coronary), autism, Schizophrenia, allergies, lactose intolerance and other auto-immune disease - including Coeliac, Crohn's, MS. While A2 milk is healthy and has no side effects.
Not that I came about the importance of A2 milk for the first time - Dr. Gundry from the book "The Longevity Paradox" also mentions about benefits of A2 milk. I have switched to A2 milk (bit expensive than normal A1 milk) and my family is consuming only A2.
Books also have repeated mentioning politics in the dairy industry, difficulties getting A2 to market which might bore you and can speed read. Overall a good read. Thanks Keith for your effort in writing this books.
Not that I came about the importance of A2 milk for the first time - Dr. Gundry from the book "The Longevity Paradox" also mentions about benefits of A2 milk. I have switched to A2 milk (bit expensive than normal A1 milk) and my family is consuming only A2.
Books also have repeated mentioning politics in the dairy industry, difficulties getting A2 to market which might bore you and can speed read. Overall a good read. Thanks Keith for your effort in writing this books.
Read
September 6, 2017Best Medical Book I have ever read. Now I need to talk to people and diaries to know what milk I am drinking and what changes I need to make in my daily milk consumption. Thanks Keith Woodford for spreading the information.
September 13, 2017
It's a very goodread especially if you want to know the complete history or A1 and A2 milk. What was missing for me is more information about the relation with illnesses, there are some details for link between milk and some illnesses but I would have liked to read and know more in this regards
Read
February 24, 2024Unrated bc while it was necessary & important information, the authors did a poor job of making it accessible to the ordinary lay person, regardless of how interested one might be in the subject matter.
September 13, 2018
Intriguing and fascinating read! It has made me become an advocate against milk contains no the a1 protein!
August 1, 2024
You will definitely like it if you are interested in healthy nutrition.
May 3, 2012
I found this volume too dense and technical to be easy reading. I skimmed a lot. Part of this was due to a headache; I don't know if I got the headache from reading the book or if the headache was a side effect from a virus that's been making the rounds...
Anyway, by the time I finished the book, I was at least convinced that the author most definitely thought that BCM7 is related to an array of autoimmune diseases. Since BCM7 results from digestion of "A1" milk, such milk ought to be avoided, at least by those people genetically predisposed to react badly to BCM7. I certainly don't see any harm in drinking "A2" milk instead.
There is a lot in the book about the politics involved with the story of A1 and A2 milk, Fonterra vs. various people and entities trying to get A2 milk to market, the usual corporate obfuscating, footdragging, and outright lying. It comes as no surprise to me that people making lots of money wouldn't want anything to interfere with their golden goose. Of course, smearing A1 milk without justification would rightly anger sellers of A1 milk, but if this author is being truthful then it seems there IS in fact a body of evidence pointing to BCM7 as a serious health risk for at least certain individuals. Not preventing autoimmune diseases that could easily have been prevented would be tragic.
I wish more had been included about where I could go to find information on purchasing A2 milk locally, however Google is my next stop.
It was interesting to see the statement that A2 milk in the USA is usually marketed simply as "milk from cows not treated with rBST" since any statements casting doubt on "A1" milk could result in litigation. I have been buying organic non-rBST milk since it became available in my area; hopefully this means I have in fact been buying (and consuming) A2 milk. I won't know until I research. I'm glad I grew up on goat milk (apparently only cows have the A1 mutation, and most if not all A1 cows are of European descent though not all European cows are A1), but unfortunately keeping goats is not an option at my current residence.
Anyway, by the time I finished the book, I was at least convinced that the author most definitely thought that BCM7 is related to an array of autoimmune diseases. Since BCM7 results from digestion of "A1" milk, such milk ought to be avoided, at least by those people genetically predisposed to react badly to BCM7. I certainly don't see any harm in drinking "A2" milk instead.
There is a lot in the book about the politics involved with the story of A1 and A2 milk, Fonterra vs. various people and entities trying to get A2 milk to market, the usual corporate obfuscating, footdragging, and outright lying. It comes as no surprise to me that people making lots of money wouldn't want anything to interfere with their golden goose. Of course, smearing A1 milk without justification would rightly anger sellers of A1 milk, but if this author is being truthful then it seems there IS in fact a body of evidence pointing to BCM7 as a serious health risk for at least certain individuals. Not preventing autoimmune diseases that could easily have been prevented would be tragic.
I wish more had been included about where I could go to find information on purchasing A2 milk locally, however Google is my next stop.
It was interesting to see the statement that A2 milk in the USA is usually marketed simply as "milk from cows not treated with rBST" since any statements casting doubt on "A1" milk could result in litigation. I have been buying organic non-rBST milk since it became available in my area; hopefully this means I have in fact been buying (and consuming) A2 milk. I won't know until I research. I'm glad I grew up on goat milk (apparently only cows have the A1 mutation, and most if not all A1 cows are of European descent though not all European cows are A1), but unfortunately keeping goats is not an option at my current residence.
December 28, 2011
I had no idea what I was getting in to when I ordered this book from Amazon. A friend, who also happens to be a nutritionist, made a reference to it. Because the title aligns with my thoughts on milk for certain people (I blog a little about this here and here), I added it to my "to read" shelves.
I learned a great deal from this book. However, this is not a book to read for fun unless you majored in chemistry, biology, or have extensive training in research. You will learn that there are two types of milk (and I don't mean cow versus goat). I find it fascinating that I am pretty well-read yet, I had no idea that these two types of cow's milk existed. Shame.On.Me.
Dr. Woodford may have an ax to grind. At times it seems as if he is proving a point to someone. However, his points are backed up with science. I haven't fact-checked his book and I am not sure that I will. However, because I read his book and all of the science within, I will most certainly continue to hold my beliefs that milk is the devil.
If you have children, if you are planning to have children, or if you have any GI conditions or symptoms, you should add this book to your list of readings. It will be worth your time and most certainly your money.
I learned a great deal from this book. However, this is not a book to read for fun unless you majored in chemistry, biology, or have extensive training in research. You will learn that there are two types of milk (and I don't mean cow versus goat). I find it fascinating that I am pretty well-read yet, I had no idea that these two types of cow's milk existed. Shame.On.Me.
Dr. Woodford may have an ax to grind. At times it seems as if he is proving a point to someone. However, his points are backed up with science. I haven't fact-checked his book and I am not sure that I will. However, because I read his book and all of the science within, I will most certainly continue to hold my beliefs that milk is the devil.
If you have children, if you are planning to have children, or if you have any GI conditions or symptoms, you should add this book to your list of readings. It will be worth your time and most certainly your money.
November 9, 2011
It was a long slog through this book. The topic is extremely important
information specifically about milk, and a variety of health issues, and
also about how money and egos maintain some products, while
eliminating or making less available products that would be of more
benefit and less potentially damaging to the end user. Public knowledge
can set things right, though this may take a very long time to get done,
because that is the way society has worked for a long time.
The book has VERY careful neutral and repeated explanation of the
issues: scientific evidence and proof; economic and political interests.
The neutrality and repetition are what it takes to really "get it" rather
than just shrug it off and all the implications. This is what motivated me
to complete reading the book.
By deduction, on an individual level, one should thoroughly comprehend
the vital importance of personally constantly looking for and understanding
the information that allows for making good decisions in relation to products
one uses. The hope would be that many things could be changed for the
better, and there are means to do so; one could also understand one's own
reasons for not changing the status quo. To "change the world" start with
yourself. It will then be an entirely different world.
information specifically about milk, and a variety of health issues, and
also about how money and egos maintain some products, while
eliminating or making less available products that would be of more
benefit and less potentially damaging to the end user. Public knowledge
can set things right, though this may take a very long time to get done,
because that is the way society has worked for a long time.
The book has VERY careful neutral and repeated explanation of the
issues: scientific evidence and proof; economic and political interests.
The neutrality and repetition are what it takes to really "get it" rather
than just shrug it off and all the implications. This is what motivated me
to complete reading the book.
By deduction, on an individual level, one should thoroughly comprehend
the vital importance of personally constantly looking for and understanding
the information that allows for making good decisions in relation to products
one uses. The hope would be that many things could be changed for the
better, and there are means to do so; one could also understand one's own
reasons for not changing the status quo. To "change the world" start with
yourself. It will then be an entirely different world.
August 26, 2010
A deeply compelling tract, but obviously written from a scientific standpoint with an overemphasis on making it simply for the lay person. Could have been 30% shorter had the author not thought it necessary to remind the lay person of something he had done several times and had been doing throughout.
It's really kind of a shame, as when he wrote about the nonscientific issues raised, he wrote interestingly and passionately. This may be a matter of poor or misdirected editorship, but it's all part and parcel.
It's really kind of a shame, as when he wrote about the nonscientific issues raised, he wrote interestingly and passionately. This may be a matter of poor or misdirected editorship, but it's all part and parcel.
June 23, 2013
Very informative book. I found parts of it very hard to get through (the studies), so I ended up skimming thru parts of it. But overall it gave me a very clear understanding of the milk "problem" that a lot of people face. I definitely think there is a world of truth in this book as I myself have had experiences with both A1 and A2 milk. Also, having two kids with ASD's, I can see a major difference in them when I give them A1 and A2 milk.
September 8, 2016
This book was a great eye opener and provided the necessary knowledge into the world of White revolution. So much of it is technical knowledge, meant for the scientific and research community however the author has driven his point.
Once you read the book, you become so much aware of the substance that you put inside your mouth and consequence that will come with it. Its a good book to know about Milk, must read for every individual who is a health freak.
Once you read the book, you become so much aware of the substance that you put inside your mouth and consequence that will come with it. Its a good book to know about Milk, must read for every individual who is a health freak.
February 22, 2013
Very informative for those that take their milk seriously. This difference in milk's genetic makeup offers insight into the effects of its consumption and how it affects us. Welcomed the author's push to make this detail more aware to people. I've seen it make a difference with friends that reacted even to drinking raw milk of one genetic type to not at all to the other.
September 6, 2015
This book presents an interesting topic in an engaging manner. The epidemiology studies discussed in this book are demonstrated using simple graphs and explained clearly. I found this book very informative, and would recommend it to anyone who is interested in the relationship between dairy products and human health.
August 13, 2016
Great informative book. There was a lot of repetition in the book which wasted a bit of my time. Otherwise it seemed the author did his homework. I'm convinced of the A1 beta-casein problem in people with leaky guts.
June 6, 2015
A sober, educational book on the various types of Milk and their constituents. Provides what I think is a well-balanced account of the potential health benefits of A2 milk over A1 milk.
June 14, 2016
Some very interesting arguments about the terrible effects of A1 milk on human health.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews