In a study with more than 3,700 people, those with the highest levels of this natural substance cut their risk of type-2 diabetes by 60 percent.
But researchers warn the finding is no excuse to load up on dairy products, which can be high in fat, and if eaten in excess, can contribute to weight gain.
Experts want more research to see whether these acids can play a useful role in preventing type-2 diabetes.
There's more on this in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
