Summary
This paper investigates the variation in iodine content of UK retail milk as a function of season and cattle feeding practice, contributing to understanding of how farm management influences the nutritional composition of a major dietary iodine source. Published in Food Chemistry in 2013, the study likely demonstrates that winter milk contains higher iodine concentrations than summer milk, reflecting greater reliance on iodinated concentrate feeds and iodophor teat disinfectants during housed periods. The findings are relevant to public health nutritionists and dairy industry stakeholders concerned with iodine adequacy in the UK population, for whom milk is a principal dietary source.
UK applicability
The study is conducted entirely within a UK context and has direct relevance to UK dietary iodine intake assessments, particularly given concerns about marginal iodine deficiency in certain population groups such as pregnant women and adolescent girls. Findings inform understanding of how UK dairy farming seasonality and feed management affect the nutritional value of milk supplied to UK consumers.
Key measures
Iodine concentration in milk (µg/L or µg/kg); seasonal variation; feeding system (pasture vs. concentrate)
Outcomes reported
The study measured iodine concentrations in UK retail milk across seasons and in relation to cow feeding regimen, likely finding higher iodine levels in winter milk associated with indoor feeding and iodine-supplemented concentrate diets.
Topic tags
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