Organic milk 'may harm babies' brain development'

Women who drink "healthier" organic milk during pregnancy may be putting the brain development of their unborn babies at risk, experts claim.

Iodine is known to be important for the healthy brain development of babies, especially in the early stages of pregnancy.

A study by scientists at the University of Reading found milk certified as organic contains about a third less iodine than conventionally-produced milk. The same was found to be true for "ultra-high temperature" (UHT)-processed long-life milk.

The study found no difference in iodine content between full fat, semis-skimmed and skimmed milk.

Lead scientist Professor Ian Givens said people are increasingly buying organic and UHT milk for perceived health benefits or convenience but warned the trend could have serious implications for public health.