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The Differences in Milk

By Pritzker | Ruohonen

A study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association  shows that there is very little difference between conventional, rbST-free, and organic milk.  Recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) is a synthetic version of natural bovine somatotropin (bST, also known as bovine growth hormone) which is produced in the pituitary glands of cattle. Researchers from the University of Missouri-Columbia, Penn State, and Monsanto published the study, collecting samples of the three types of milk from all 48 contiguous states.  The researchers tested bacterial counts, antibiotics, fat, protein, solids-non-fat, and hormone consumption.

According to Truth About Trade & Technology,

The study found minimal differences among the three types of milk. Conventional milk had a slightly lower bacteria count than organic or rBST free and lower levels of estradiol and progesterone than organic milk. There were no differences in the level of somatotropin (bST) in the three milks. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels were similar in conventional milk and rbST free and a little lower in organic milk. Organic milk had .1% higher protein content than the other two.

The study shows that in these areas, the three types of milk are functionally the same, with very little difference and would probably have no affect on consumer health, no matter which milk is being consumed.

Full post as published by Food Poisoning Law Blog on August 04, 2008 (boomark / email).