Australian Immunity Trial (Trial B): The effect of milk proteins on immune function in healthy young adults

There is some evidence that A2 beta-casein versus A1/A2 beta-casein milk has beneficial effects on immunity, inflammation, gut health, and cognition function through multiple blinded RCTs (Trivedi 2017; Jianqin 2015; Ho 2014; Deth 2015). We hypothesise that consumption of A2 milk will reduce markers of inflammation and improve gut health and cognitive performance in healthy individuals. This study will test the effect of A2-only beta-casein milk as compared to A1/A2 beta-casein containing milk in a double-blind, randomised controlled trial. Healthy young adults will be randomised to recieve either cow's milk containing only A2 beta-casein protein, or cow's milk containing both A1/A2 beta-casein for 14 days. Participants will be asked to complete questionnaires, have a blood sample collected, and provide a faecal sample at the start and end of each intervention period. Participants will also be asked to follow a standardised diet for the entire study and will have their main meals provided, including during a run-in period (14 days), during each intervention period (2 x 14 days), and washout period between interventions (14 days).