Beta-casein a2 and blood glucose levels

Abstract

Regulating the level of glucose in the blood of an animal comprising the consumption by the animal of a composition containing beta-casein, or providing the composition to the animal for consumption, where the beta-casein comprises at least 75% by weight beta-casein A2. Uses include managing the symptoms of hyperglycaemia and associated conditions including diabetes. The effect is both acute (post-exposure to the composition) and ongoing.

1 . The use of a composition for regulating the level of glucose in the blood of an animal, where the composition contains beta-casein, and where the beta-casein comprises at least 75% by weight beta-casein A2. 
     
     
         2 . The use as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the beta-casein comprises at least 90% by weight beta-casein A2. 
     
     
         3 . The use as claimed in  claim 1  or  claim 2 , wherein the beta-casein comprises 100% beta-casein A2. 
     
     
         4 . The use as claimed in any one of  claims 1  to  3 , wherein the composition is milk or a milk product. 
     
     
         5 . The use as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein the milk is fresh milk, milk powder, liquid milk reconstituted from powder, skim milk, homogenised milk, condensed milk, evaporated milk, pasteurised milk, or non-pasteurised milk. 
     
     
         6 . The use as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein the milk product is cream, yoghurt, quark, cheese, butter, or ice cream. 
     
     
         7 . The use as claimed in any one of  claims 1  to  6 , wherein the level of glucose is regulated to avoid or reduce the symptoms of hyperglycemia or diabetes. 
     
     
         8 . The use as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein the diabetes is type I diabetes or type II diabetes. 
     
     
         9 . The use as claimed in  claim 7  or  claim 8 , wherein the symptoms include one or more of polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia. 
     
     
         10 . The use as claimed in any one of  claims 1  to  6 , wherein the level of glucose is regulated to reduce the risk of developing any one or more conditions associated with diabetes including cardiovascular disease, chronic renal failure, and diabetic retinopathy. 
     
     
         11 . The use as claimed in any one of  claims 1  to  6 , wherein the level of glucose is regulated to control the weight of the animal. 
     
     
         12 . The use as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein controlling the weight of the animal forms part of treatment for obesity. 
     
     
         13 . The use as claimed in any one of  claims 1  to  12 , wherein the animal is a human, dog, or cat. 
     
     
         14 . A composition for regulating the level of glucose in the blood of an animal which composition contains beta-casein and where the beta-casein comprises at least 75% by weight beta-casein A2. 
     
     
         15 . A method of regulating the level of glucose in the blood of an animal comprising the consumption by the animal of a composition containing beta-casein, or providing the composition to the animal for consumption, where the beta-casein comprises at least 75% by weight beta-casein A2.