Vitamins :
    Butter is a rich source of easily absorbed vitamin A, needed a wide range of functions in the body, from maintaining good vision, to keeping the endocrine system in top shape. Butter also contains all the other fat-soluble vitamins (E, K and D).

Minerals :
   Butter is rich in trace minerals, especially selenium, a powerful antioxidant.

Fatty Acids :
    Butter has appreciable amounts of butyric acid, used by the colon as an energy source. This fatty acid is also a known anti carcinogen. Lauric acid, a medium chain fatty acid, is a potent antimicrobial and antifungal substance. Butter also contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) which gives excellent protection against cancer. Range-fed cows produce especially high level of CLC as opposed to "stall fed" cattle. It Pays, then, to get your butter from a cow that has been fed properly. Butter also has small, but equal, amounts of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, so-called essential fatty acids.

Cholesterol :
   Despite all of the misinformation you may have heard, cholesterol is needed to maintain intestinal health, but is also needed for brain and nervous system development in the young. Again, this emphasizes the need for cholesterol-rich foods for children. Human breast milk is extremely high in saturated fat and cholesterol.