Does milk have vitamin d
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Vitamin D in Milk: An Overview
Presence of Vitamin D in Milk
Natural Vitamin D in Cow's Milk
Cow's milk naturally contains vitamin D, although in relatively low amounts. Research indicates that milk from cows fed normal levels of vitamin D contains approximately 40 IU per liter of vitamin D activity. This includes various vitamin D compounds such as cholecalciferol and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol, which together account for the biological activity observed in milk .
Vitamin D in Human Milk
Human milk also contains vitamin D, with concentrations reported to be around 40 to 50 IU per liter. The primary forms of vitamin D in human milk are vitamins D2, D3, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, which together account for more than 90% of the total vitamin D activity present . Additionally, a significant portion of vitamin D in human milk is present as a water-soluble conjugate with sulfate .
Fortification of Milk with Vitamin D
Importance of Fortification
Given the widespread incidence of vitamin D deficiency, fortifying milk with vitamin D is a common practice to ensure adequate intake. Fortified milk has been shown to significantly improve vitamin D status in various populations, including children and adults 34.
Effectiveness of Fortified Milk
Studies have demonstrated that vitamin D-fortified milk can effectively increase serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations. For instance, a study on New Zealand toddlers showed that habitual consumption of vitamin D-fortified milk significantly decreased the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency . Similarly, fortified milk has been shown to improve vitamin D status in postmenopausal women, contributing to better bone mineral density and favorable effects on glucose and lipid profiles .
Variability in Fortification
The contribution of fortified milk to vitamin D intake varies by country and fortification policies. In countries with systematic fortification policies, such as Finland, Canada, and the United States, milk products contribute significantly to vitamin D intake. In contrast, in countries without such policies, the contribution is much lower .
Conclusion
Milk, both cow's and human, contains vitamin D, although in relatively low amounts naturally. Fortification of milk with vitamin D is a widely adopted strategy to combat vitamin D deficiency and has been shown to be effective in improving vitamin D status across different populations. The impact of fortified milk on vitamin D intake and status is influenced by national fortification policies and the extent of milk consumption.
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