How is grass-fed cow’s milk different from normal cow’s milk?

Cow’s that graze on grass, as opposed to grain, produce higher quality milk with more nutrients and a better fatty acid profile. While conventional dairy farms feed cows a grain-based diet, grass fed cows are free to graze on fresh pastures all year round.

Grass-fed milk benefits

Higher CLA

Grass fed milk for better growth!

Research shows that grass fed cows milk has up to 5 x more CLA than conventional milk (1). CLA stands for conjugated linoleic acid, a natural fatty acid found in meat and dairy products. CLA found in grass fed milk helps to boost the immune system and helps to regulate blood sugar levels.

Higher levels of vitamin A & E

Milk from grass fed cows contains higher levels of vitamins A and E, two critical nutrients needed for the immune system to help fight infections and to support growth and healthy brain development and cognition.

Higher omega-3

Ah, omega-3… the superhero of all nutrients. Omega-3 fatty acids are so incredibly important for health, but in particular during the critical time of infancy and childhood. This golden window of opportunity sees dramatic cognitive growth and development, with new connections being made every day, your babies’ brain will never grow at such a rate again. Research studies have shown time and time again how milk from grass fed cows contains around three times more omega-3 fatty acids than conventional milk (2-4), which support optimal brain development, cognitive function, social interaction, and natural exploration.

A better balance

In our modern world, the consumption of omega-6 fatty acids far out-weigh the balance of omega-3. To maintain good health, we should be consuming a diet with an omega 3/6 ratio 1:3, but what we actually consume is more along the lines of 1:16! Studies show that high consumption of omega-6 fats relative to low omega-3 fat intake is associated with increased inflammation and chronic disease (5).  Grass fed milk has a better and more balanced ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 compared to conventional cow’s milk (2) for a healthier start to life.

Is organic milk grass fed?

Not necessarily. Milk can be certified organic so long as the feed can be certified as organic, so if a cow is eating organic grain, then the milk can be classed as organic. To ensure milk is form grass fed cows, look for the statement “100% grass-fed” on the label.

Does grass fed milk make a difference in baby formula?

You can guess this answer to this, of course it does! Grass fed baby formula naturally contains higher levels of critical nutrients vitamin A, E and omega-3 fatty acids. Grass fed formula also contains more of the important fatty acid CLA which helps support the immune system. So, choosing a grass-fed baby milk over a conventional formula is a superior choice for nutrition and quality.

Research references

1. Alothman M et al. Foods. 2019;8(8):350.
2. Benbrook CM et al. Food Sci Nutr. 2018 Feb 28;6(3):681-700.
3. Eur. J. Lipid Sci. Technol. 2015, 117, 1345–1369
4. Couvreur et al. J. Dairy Sci. 2006, 89 (6), 1956-1969
5. Simopoulos A.P. et al. Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2008 Jun;233(6):674-88.

from an Expert Author

Diana Newman

BHSc Nutr Med, MNutr – Nutritionist

Diana is a registered nutritionist with close to 10 years’ experience in the industry working as a clinical nutritionist. She completed her undergraduate in Nutritional Medicine, followed by a Master’s Degree in Human Nutrition through Deakin University and is a member of the Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA) and Nutrition Society Australia (NSA).

Diana’s area of clinical expertise lies in digestive disorders, cardio metabolic conditions, fertility, pregnancy and infant nutrition. Diana is also a mum to 2 year old identical twin girls, and has spent recent years completing additional training in fertility and pregnancy nutrition through Monash University and Well College Global.

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