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A1 Protein-Free Milk Supports Cognitive Function in Older Chinese Adults
New Research: Supports the role of cows’ milk in improving cognitive function and quality of life in older adults with mild cognitive impairment and severe vitamin D deficiency and suggests that A1 protein free milk may enhance the benefits offered by dairy for some people. Further research is warranted to confirm these benefits to other population demographics.
The Study
A multi-centre double blind randomised controlled trial reported daily intake of A1PF milk for 90 days significantly improved a broad range of cognitive and quality of life measures, relative to ordinary milk in a sample of healthy older Chinese adults (65-75 years) with mild cognitive impairment and severe vitamin D deficiency. Further research is warranted to confirm these benefits in other population demographics.
Mild Cognitive Impairment
Mild cognitive impairment is more than normal age-related cognitive decline. It is associated with forgetfulness, misplacing items frequently, having difficulty finding the right words or expressing thoughts. Over time, mild cognitive impairment may impact cognitive health and affect quality of life.
Study Overview and Findings
Study design: 88 healthy older Chinese adults (66-71 years) with mild cognitive impairment and severe vitamin D deficiency were randomised into two groups and consumed two serves per day of either A1 protein free skim milk or ordinary skim milk over 90 days
Primary outcome: he primary outcome measures of the study were cognitive performance, as measured by the Subtle Cognitive Impairment Test, and serum concentration levels of the antioxidant glutathione.
Secondary outcome: measures included the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Auditory Verbal Learning Test, two widely accepted gold standard clinical tools that provide complementary insights into cognitive function. Additional outcomes included self-reported quality of life measures, muscle strength, inflammatory markers and vitamin D levels.
Both milk groups demonstrated significant improvements on some aspects of cognition.
Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
The MoCA assesses memory recall, executive function and multiple cognitive domains. MoCA is widely accepted as a gold standard clinical tool for assessing cognitive function.
20% vs 9%
MoCA results showed the A1 protein free group had a 20% improvement from baseline while the ordinary milk group had a 9% increase.
Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT)
The AVLT assesses memory and verbal learning. AVLT is widely accepted as a gold standard clinical tool for assessing cognitive function.
22% vs 12%
AVLT results showed a statistically significant improvement in both groups, however the A1 protein free group had a greater improvement of 22% increase over baseline test scores at day 90.
Subtle Cognitive Impairment Test (SCIT)
The SCIT assesses reaction time, error rate and attentional function.
23%
The A1 protein free group demonstrated a 23% reduction in total error scores on the SCIT after 90 days.
Quality of Life Scores
While both groups showed improvements in self-reported quality of life scores, the older adults consuming A1 protein free milk experienced significantly greater gains of 23% improvement in overall quality of life scores from baseline after 90 days compared to a 17% improvement in the ordinary milk group. Across additional quality of life sub domains, the group consuming A1 protein free milk reported significantly stronger improvements compared to the ordinary milk group.
23%
A1 Protein Free Milk Group
Quality of life improvement
17%
Ordinary Milk Group
Quality of life improvement
Vitamin D
Both groups had severe vitamin D deficiency at baseline, which is common in older people living in China. Authors speculated enhanced vitamin D absorption may have contributed to the results of the clinical trial as both groups showed a significant increase in serum vitamin D levels from baseline. Participants still had vitamin D levels below recommended levels at the end of the study. Further research is warranted to confirm these benefits to other population demographics.
No adverse events were reported.
Conclusion
Dairy milk is an accessible solution to support overall health and wellbeing.
Daily intake of A1 protein free milk for 90 days significantly improved aspects of cognition and Quality of Life metrics in a sample of older Chinese people with mild cognitive impairment and severe vitamin D deficiency. While further research is warranted to confirm these benefits in other population demographics, A1 protein free milk may offer an accessible way to support overall health and wellbeing particularly in some older adults living with mild cognitive impairment.
Citation
Zhang K, Robinson SR, et al. Milk free of A1 β-casein supports superior gains in cognition and quality-of-life, relative to conventional milk, in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging.
This research was funded by The a2 Milk Company™.
Study funded by The a2 Milk Company™. Information intended for healthcare professionals. Results apply only to the study population; no therapeutic claims are made.