No Selenium, Vitamin Boost For Organic Milk,
UK - Organic milk was not seen to be richer in vitamins or selenium than conventional milk, found a new study presented this week that contradicts the conclusions of an earlier, similar study.
31 August 2007
2 minute read
Scientists from the Swedish University of Agricultural Scientists analysed the vitamin and selenium content of milk from organically-reared cows and compared it to that of milk from conventionally-reared cows. They thought they may see some differences since nutrient levels are understood to be directly linked to a cow's diet.
However their findings, presented at the conference of the European Association for Animal Production in Dublin this week, did not support the hypothesis, according to the Irish Independent.
The publication status of the study is not known and the full methodology and results have not been seen by NutraIngredients.com.
But the reported results, taken at face value, lend support to those who argue there is little evidence to support the belief that an organic diet carries intrinsic health benefits.
A review conducted by the British Nutrition Foundation and published in the journal Nutrition Bulletin found that the overall body of science does not support the view organic food is more nutritious than conventionally grown food.
The conclusions were particularly pertinent to fruit and veg, but some interesting light was thrown on organic dairy.
Author Claire Williamson of the British Nutrition Foundation quoted several studies that reported improved nutrient levels for alpha-linolenic acid (ALNA), conjugated linoleic acid, alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E), beta-carotene, and/or a higher proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to monounsaturated fatty acids in the organically produced dairy.
