October 2026
There is a growing list of research papers and published studies on the benefits of whole milk. These papers put a focus on the benefits to both children as well as adults. Most interesting is the notable change in tone about full-fat dairy. Where the once the recommended servings were for low-fat and reduced-fat options there is a significant push now for full-fat dairy option such as whole milk, cheese, and butters.
Whole Milk Benefits to Kids
The recent study by Canadian CHILD Cohort published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found children who regularly drank whole milk at age 5 had lower body fat, smaller waist circumferences and a lower likelihood of obesity by age eight than children who drank skim milk. The findings are challenging current recommendations that limit milk fat in middle childhood aged children and may inform future dietary guidelines.
Current North American guidelines generally recommend transitioning children to reduced-fat milk after age two to limit saturated fat intake, but these new findings suggest this may not be the best course of action for parents follow. In fact, very little research has been done to include children in these studies nor has new understands about the various types of healthy fats been considered with these guidelines.
The Benefits to Adults
Another study by the University of Toronto found adults who ate three servings a day of dairy showed no meaningful weight gain, body composition, cholesterol, or insulin resistance. This gives further confidence dairy may be healthier than was previously suggested. The study suggests participants saw improvements in blood pressure and had higher intake of calcium, protein and vitamin D.
In this study, by Professor Harvey Anderson, he states “the study findings are especially relevant for older people who have lower energy needs overall and may therefore have difficulties getting sufficient protein and nutrients.”
He follows this by saying that “for many older adults, dairy products are a familiar and energy- and nutrient-dense option to help meet their nutritional needs, without increasing their risk of diabetes and other chronic diseases.”
His research showed evidence of a reduction of risk factors for obesity and its associated characteristics of the metabolic syndrome when including three daily servings of full-fat dairy.
Healthy vs.Unhealthy Fats
Humans consume four main types of fats.
Monosaturated Fats
These are beneficial fats such as olive oil, avocados, peanuts. These fats should be consumed in moderation and balanced with well-rounded diet that includes fruits, vegetable and proteins.
Polyunsaturated Fats
These are both beneficial and essentials (meaning the body cannot make on its own – which include Omega 6 and Omega-3 fatty acids) and are found in such things as salmon, walnuts and flaxseeds. These fats can spoil easily or oxidize so shelf-life and process is important to consider.
Saturated Fats
These are limited and found in things like red meat, butter, cheese and tropical oils such as palm and coconut. Without moderation they can increase the risk of heart disease when consumed.
Trans Fats
The most harmful of the four and considered “dead fats” found in shortening and fried foods. These are known to cause high cholesterol and trigger widespread inflammation.
The Value Proposition: Whole Milk and Omega-3’s
There is good news, however, for those looking to include a healthier option to their diet without changing their functional foods and whole milk essential to accomplish this. The answer is Omega-3s. Omega-3s are an anti-inflammatory polyunsaturated fatty acid. This means that skim milk or low-whole milks are required for the Omega-3s to be carried into the milk.
Omega-3 enriched dairy products like cheese, full fat milk and yogurt are a value-proposition industry leaders should be paying attention to. From feed innovation to consumer value there is a roadmap to healthier functional foods. It starts with the source of dairy, our cows.
By including Omega-3 feed ingredient options, such as products rich in flaxseed, you are feeding the cow an excellent source of ALA Omega-3 fatty acid. One such Omega-3-rich feed ingredient source is linPRO-R whichis made through an advanced patented technology by O&T Farms.
Incorporating linPRO-R results in healthier cows that produce milk products that are richer in Omega-3 nutrients. The value to consumers is numerous with benefits such as:
- Children –growth and development
- Active Adults – nutrient dense food options, everyday performance
- Pregnant / Growing Families – nutrient dense food options, wellness
- Healthy Aging – cognitive support, longevity
- Careers such as Military – heart health, brain health and everyday performance
So next time you’re at the grocery store keep these research findings in mind and the benefits of healthy fats that include Omega-3s.
