Women who drink organic milk while pregnant could harm their babies

06.05.2015

According to a new study, women who drink organic milk while pregnant or breastfeeding could be putting their babies at risk.

Scientists at the University of Reading in England recently published research that states the reduced levels of iodine in organic and UHT milk is harmful for babies.

In the research, published in the journal Food Chemistry, the scientists assert that the amount of iodine found in organic and UHT milk was a third lower than that found in regular milk.

The World Health Organization recommends that pregnant women eat foods that are rich in iodine because of the role it plays in the healthy development of the baby's brain and nervous system while in the womb. It says that iodine deficiency is one of the leading causes of impaired cognitive development in children.

The number of people buying organic milk has increased because of its perceived health benefits, researches warns.

“Organic and UHT milk is not bad for you, and drinking all types of milk has numerous health benefits. But to get the same amount of iodine as in a pint of conventional pasteurised milk, you would need to drink around an extra half-pint of organic or UHT milk," said Professor Ian Givens from the University of Reading in a release accompanying the study.

The UK's dairy industry hit back at the study, saying that it didn't reflect changes in dairy farming.

“The fact that organic cows historically do not receive iodine in feed may explain why iodine levels have in the past been lower in organic milk," Dairy UK's chief executive, Dr. Judith Bryans, said in a statement.

In the UK, milk is the largest source of iodine in diets. The National Health Service (NHS) says that dairy products, particularly cow's milk, are a good source of iodine for pregnant and breastfeeding women, recommending they consume 250 micrograms of iodine a day. Another source of iodine for pregnant women is oily fish.

Source: mashable.com