Jenny Blythe Dundee

Milk could be used in the fight against immune diseases and cancer, according to scientists. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a type of fat that is found in milk, has already been shown to improve the immune system and have anticancer properties in American laboratory trials. Now human trials are beginning in the United Kingdom.

Dr Philip Calder of Southampton University, who is the project's leader said: "One of the reasons that CLA might protect against cancer is it improves the ability of the immune system to seek out and destroy tumours. We want to find out what happens to the immune system if we give people an increased amount of CLA in their diet."

In the three year trial scientists will also work with the dairy industry on modifying feeding practices to produce cows' milk with the right level of CLA. Previous studies found that the best way to increase overall CLA content in milk is to feed cows fresh grass.

Other research has also suggested that CLA can decrease the amount of fat in the blood and stored in the body. This means that this new "super drug" could be used in the fight against heart disease and obesity in the future.