Organic milk contains almost three-quarters more of the essential fatty acid omega 3 than ordinary milk, it emerged today.

Research by scientists at Aberdeen University shows organic milk is an excellent source of omega 3, which is important in maintaining a healthy heart, supple and flexible joints, healthy growth, strong bones and teeth.

People could benefit significantly from drinking just half a pint a day, as organic milk contains up to 71% more omega 3 than non-organic milk.

Jamie Robertson, livestock projects manager at the university, said: “Polyunsaturated fats are broken down into two groups, omega 3 and omega 6, and ideally an equal ratio should be consumed.

“Most people in the UK eat too much omega 6 and are deficient in omega 3 fatty acids, therefore drinking organic milk could redress the balance.

“We’re really excited by the results which show that organic milk does contain significantly higher levels of the beneficial polyunsaturated fatty acid, omega 3, and a trend of lower levels of omega 6 than non-organic milk.

“This is due to the higher proportion of clover forage in the diets of organic cows.”

Organic cheese is thought to be an even better source of omega 3 than milk.

Sally Bagenal, chief executive of the Organic Milk Suppliers Cooperative, hopes the research will make people more aware of the benefits of consuming organic milk and cheese.

She said: “While organic farmers welcome the results, we are concerned that people don’t appreciate the recently revealed health benefits of organic milk.

“This research confirms the potential health benefits of switching to organic milk and cheese, particularly for those groups of us who don’t consume the recommended amount of oily fish.”

It is thought around 89% of people identified in an independent study across the UK were not aware of the health benefits of organic milk

BACK TO ARTICLES