Study finds organic dairy has healthier nutritional profile

Photo Credit: Benz Photography Photo Credit: Benz Photography

A new meta-analysis that examined 170 published studies found that organic milk had several nutritional advantages over conventional milk. The study, led by Organic Center Advisory Board member Carlo Leifert of Newcastle University, found that organic milk had 56% higher healthy omega-3 fatty acid levels than conventional milk. In addition to higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, this study found that organic dairy provides several other health benefits such as higher levels of heart-healthy conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), iron, vitamin E, and carotenoids, all of which are associated with health benefits. The study authors stated that they “concluded that organic bovine milk has a more desirable fatty acid composition than conventional milk.”