Variation in macrominerals and trace elements in cows? retail milk and implications for consumers nutrition

Based on previous farm-level studies, this study hypothesised that production system (conventional, CON; organic, ORG; channel island, CHA) and season would cause variation in the concentrations of macrominerals and trace elements in retail milk. On average, milk retained its status as an excellent source of Ca, P, I, and Mo across different demographics, and a very good source of K, Mg, and Zn for children. Compared with CON and ORG, CHA milk contained higher concentrations of Ca, Mg, P, Cu, Mn, and Zn; and lower concentrations of K and I. Macrominerals did not show a clear seasonal pattern but trace elements were all at lower concentrations during the typical grazing season. Variation in mineral concentrations can have implications to Ca and P supply in children, and I and Zn supply across different consumer demographics; while the seasonal variation was more pronounced than that associated with production system.

Automated summary

Based on previous studies, this study investigated the variations in macrominerals and trace elements concentrations in retail milk based on different production systems (conventional, organic, channel island) and seasons. The results showed that milk remained an excellent source of certain macrominerals and trace elements across different demographics, but the concentrations varied based on the production system and season. The variation in minerals concentration could have implications for the supply of certain nutrients in children and different consumer groups, and the seasonal variation was more significant than the variation associated with production system.