MiR-21, MiR-148, Fatty Acid Content, and Antioxidant Properties of Raw Cow’s Milk: A Pilot Study

Intramammary gland infections can affect milk quality, with changes in composition, biochemical characteristics, and antioxidant properties. Total bacterial count (TBC) and somatic cell count (SCC) are key determinants to define the appropriate quality of raw milk and must meet specific requirements established by the European regulation. Our interest was to examine if the microbiological safety window may hide differences regarding the nutritional value of milk approved for commercialization. Therefore, we investigated microRNA (miRNA) content, fatty acid (FA) profile, and antioxidant activity in relation to SCC and TBC in microbiologically safe dairy milk. Our data show that even minor variations in SCC and TBC induced by the bacterial presence are correlated to changes in milk miRNA content, FA profile, and antioxidant properties of raw milk. This pilot study suggests that the legislative microbiological safety window can hide a range of milks, which differ for their nutritional and antioxidant values that ultimately may have effects on the consumer’s health, also via epigenetic mechanisms.