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Posted by u/spoonie_lifter·

Is organic dairy really healthier? What do studies say?

I've been hearing a lot about how organic dairy is supposedly better for you, especially since I try to be mindful of what I eat due to my chronic illness. But im curious about the actual science behind it. Are there peer-reviewed studies that show organic dairy has significant health benefits compared to conventional dairy?

From what I gather, some research indicates that organic dairy might have a higher content of omega-3 fatty acids and certain antioxidants. For example, a study published in the Journal of Dairy Science in 2016 found that organic milk had 62% more omega-3s than conventional milk. Another study from Nutrients in 2018 noted that organic dairy products tend to be produced with less use of antibiotics and growth hormones, which sounds promising. But do these differences translate to better health outcomes for us?

I'm really trying to sort through the myths and facts out there. Can anyone share specific studies that dive deeper into this topic? What are the implications of choosing organic over conventional dairy in terms of overall health, especially for those of us dealing with health issues? Thanks for any insights you can provide!

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u/saltyngl·

ngl, I don't think the hype is worth the extra cash. Milk is milk, man! If you're looking for omega-3s, just grab some flaxseed oil or eat salmon. Easy gains, right?

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u/mostly_lifting·

I just buy whatever's on sale! My focus is more on hitting my protein and calorie goals. Organic dairy can be good for some, but I find more importance in whole food sources. Just keep lifting!

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u/rpe_is_life·

From a nutrition standpoint, organic dairy does come with potential benefits. The lower use of antibiotics is a positive, especially if you're concerned about antibiotic resistance. Just make sure you're balancing it with overall dietary habits, not relying solely on one food type for health.

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u/midwest_lifter·

I love supporting local farmers, so I choose organic when I can. But it's also important to find what works for you. Not everyone has the same reactions to dairy, organic or not. It's about finding balance, especially in our fitness journeys.

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u/momof3lifter·

Totally get that! Being a busy mom means I need to find options that fit my family's budget too. It's not always easy, but we all do our best with what we can manage. Thanks for sharing your insights!

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u/spoonie_lifter·

I've been doing a lot of research on this topic lately since my chronic illness has made me more aware of what I consume. Some studies suggest that organic dairy does have higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which can be beneficial for inflammation. The 2016 study from the Journal of Dairy Science you mentioned is a good start, but it's also crucial to look at how these products are produced. Less use of antibiotics and hormones in organic dairy could be a plus for anyone concerned about those substances affecting their health. I'd recommend checking out a few meta-analyses for broader insights.

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u/momof3lifter·

I get what you're saying! As a busy mom, I try to buy organic when I can, but it's not always possible with my family's schedule. My kids love yogurt, and I do notice they seem to digest organic dairy better. Just a thought!

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u/creatine_supremacy·

Just saying, if you're chasing gains, focus on your macros instead of stressing over whether your dairy is organic. Both kinds of milk have protein and calcium, so you won't miss out on those. Just get your daily servings in! 🥛💪

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u/cuttingseason_2024·

Honestly, if you have a chronic illness, you might want to weigh the benefits more closely. Some people report feeling better on organic dairy due to fewer additives. Still, I'd suggest keeping a food diary to track how you feel with both options. It's all about what works best for you, so listen to your body.

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u/fitnursejane·

There's definitely a need for more comprehensive studies, especially regarding long-term health effects. Some evidence points to organic dairy being better for heart health due to its higher omega-3 content. But remember, moderation is key with any dairy product, organic or not. If you have specific health issues, consult with a healthcare provider.

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u/5k_nerd·

In a study I read, they showed that organic milk has better fatty acid profiles, but I wonder how much that actually impacts health over time. Plus, the effects of dairy can vary greatly from person to person. If you're lactose intolerant, for example, organic dairy isn't going to solve that issue. It's complex!

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u/macrocounter98·

This is a classic debate! For me, it comes down to personal values and budget. If you're trying to eat healthier, maybe prioritize whole foods over processed stuff first before worrying too much about whether your milk is organic.

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u/whey_addict·

There's some interesting research on this. The study from Nutrients in 2018 highlights that organic dairy typically has fewer additives, which can be a plus. But at the same time, some of the health claims are a bit exaggerated. Like, sure, higher omega-3 levels sound great, but how much of that is actually absorbed by the body? We still need more solid data on long-term health impacts to make a fully informed choice.

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u/gymratbutchill·

I tried switching to organic milk for a month, and honestly, didn't feel a huge difference. I think it really comes down to individual preference and how your body responds. If you can afford it, go for it, but don't stress if u can't!

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u/spoonie_lifter·

I appreciate the different perspectives here. It seems like personal experience plays a huge role in how we choose our dairy. I'll keep experimenting with both types and see how my body reacts, but I'll also make sure to pay attention to my overall nutrition

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u/runningfromcardio·

Isn't it wild how we pay premium prices for organic stuff? I mean, I get the appeal, but I run marathons and keep track of my diet, and I rarely notice a difference in my performance when I switch between organic and conventional dairy. It's all about overall diet and training consistency, am I right?

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