NEW RESEARCH PROVES ORGANIC MILK IS BEST
This press release was posted on : 23rd February 2004
OMSCo, Britain's leading co-op of organic dairy farmers is calling on the Food Standards Agency to recognise the health benefits of organic milk now
New research published by the Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research (IGER) has finally shown what organic dairy farmers have been asserting for years - organic milk has higher levels of essential nutrients than conventional milk. Analyses of milk samples showed that the organic milk contained two-thirds more Omega 3 essential fatty acids than the ordinary milk.
Most people in the UK are deficient in Omega 3 fatty acids, although they are essential for good health, playing an important role in maintaining heart health, combating the effects of arthritis and developing healthy brains in unborn children.
Sally Bagenal, Chief Executive of OMSCo, the UK's leading co-op of British organic dairy farmers said: "Sir John Krebs has said in the past that there is no proof of the health benefits for organic food and drink, now it unequivocally exists. We are inviting the FSA to start recommending organic milk as part of a healthy diet."
The research, led by Dr Richard Dewhurst found that samples of milk from organic cows contained at least 64% more Omega 3 than conventional milk. Dr Dewhurst said; "Our previous research has shown that milk from cows fed clover can contain up to 240% more Omega-3 fatty acids than milk from cows fed grass and concentrates1. Organic dairy farmers feed much higher levels of clover because they use it as an alternative to using synthetic chemical fertilisers to ensure lush pastures."
Omega 3 fatty acids have to be obtained from food as they cannot be made in the body. Nutritionist and State Registered Dietitian, Sian Porter said; "Most people in the UK do not have an adequate intake of Omega 3 fatty acids and need to increase the amount of Omega 3 rich foods in the diet. The best source is oily fish, but research has shown that only 1/3 of the population eats oily fish regularly. Drinking just half a pint a day of organic milk as part of a healthy balanced diet gives a useful additional source of this Omega 3 fatty acid, as it provides approximately 10% of the recommended daily intake(RDI) of essential n-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid. Eating a matchbox sized piece of organic cheese will give you up to 88% of your RDI of this Omega 3 fatty acid"
Sally Bagenal said today, "Evidence is accumulating that organic milk is more nutritious and safer than conventional. We know that organic food is less likely to contain pesticide and antibiotic residues. In 2000, research found organic milk contains higher levels of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)2 which helps boost your immune system, and now this research by IGER shows that organic milk is a better source of Omega 3 essential fatty acids than conventional milk."
Ends
Editors notes:
For more information, or to arrange an interview with Sian Porter or Dr Richard Dewhurst call Nicole Ralph-Bowman, Katy Bedingfield or Abby Edwards at Grayling on 0117 922 7799
Omega 3 content of milk:
1 pint ordinary milk contains 0.1g Omega 3
1 pint organic milk contains between 0.164g and 0.343g Omega 3
Biographies
Sian Porter is a nutritionist and State Registered Dietitian and has worked in the field of clinical nutrition and health promotion in the both public health medicine and the pharmaceutical industry.
Dr Richard Dewhurst is Joint Leader of the Nutrition and Microbiology Team at the Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research. IGER is known throughout the world for its scientific contribution to animal science and nutrition and organic dairying.
References
1. Dewhurst R J, Fisher W J, Tweed J K S and Wilkins R J (2003). Comparison of grass and legume silages for milk production. 1. Prod
OMSCo was formed in 1994 when five like-minded
organic dairy farmers joined forces to sell their organic milk. Now with around 500 members, OMSCo is the largest and longest established UK organic milk supplier.