Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 3 — Observational / field trialPeer-reviewed

et al

Butler G. et al.

2011

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Summary

This study, published in PLoS One, investigates differences in fat composition between organic and conventionally produced milk, likely drawing on samples collected in the UK. It is widely cited for reporting higher concentrations of beneficial fatty acids — particularly omega-3s and CLA — in organic milk, plausibly attributed to greater reliance on pasture-based feeding systems in organic dairy production. The findings contribute to the evidence base on how farming system and diet influence the nutritional quality of dairy products.

UK applicability

The study is understood to have been conducted in the UK context, making its findings directly relevant to UK organic and conventional dairy policy, labelling, and consumer guidance. It supports arguments for pasture-based management standards as a determinant of milk nutritional quality.

Key measures

Fatty acid composition (% of total fat); omega-3 fatty acid content (mg/100g); conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) concentration; omega-6:omega-3 ratio

Outcomes reported

The study measured and compared the fatty acid profiles of organic and conventional milk, with particular attention to nutritionally relevant fats including omega-3 fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and saturated fat fractions.

Theme
Nutrition & health
Subject
Dairy & livestock nutrition quality
Study type
Research
Study design
Observational cohort
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
UK
System type
Pasture-based dairy
Catalogue ID
XL0123

Topic tags

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