Yogurt vitamin d
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The Impact of Vitamin D-Fortified Yogurt on Health
Introduction to Vitamin D-Fortified Yogurt
Yogurt is a popular dairy product known for its rich content of probiotics, calcium, and proteins. However, its natural vitamin D content is relatively low. Fortifying yogurt with vitamin D has been proposed as a strategy to enhance its health benefits, particularly in improving serum vitamin D levels and other health markers.
Vitamin D Fortification and Serum 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D Levels
Several studies have demonstrated that consuming vitamin D-fortified yogurt significantly increases serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD) levels. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) found that vitamin D-fortified yogurt increased serum 25OHD by 31.00 nmol/L compared to plain yogurt . Another study in institutionalized elderly women showed a significant increase in serum 25OHD levels by 25.3 nmol/L after consuming fortified yogurt .
Effects on Parathyroid Hormone and Bone Health
Vitamin D-fortified yogurt has also been shown to reduce serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, which is beneficial for bone health. The meta-analysis reported a decrease in PTH by 15.47 ng/L . Similarly, studies in elderly women indicated that fortified yogurt reduced PTH levels and bone resorption markers, suggesting a protective effect against bone deterioration and fractures 25.
Glycemic Control and Insulin Sensitivity
Fortified yogurt has been linked to improved glycemic control and insulin sensitivity. In pre-diabetic individuals, vitamin D-fortified yogurt significantly reduced fasting blood glucose levels and improved insulin sensitivity markers such as HOMA-IR 34. In diabetic postmenopausal women, fortified yogurt improved glycemic markers, including fasting insulin and HOMA-IR, and reduced inflammation 67.
Anthropometric and Metabolic Benefits
Consuming vitamin D-fortified yogurt has been associated with favorable changes in body weight, waist circumference, and lipid profiles. The meta-analysis reported reductions in body weight by 0.92 kg, waist circumference by 2.01 cm, and improvements in lipid profiles, including decreases in total cholesterol and triglycerides . These findings were supported by other studies showing similar benefits in various populations 47.
Cognitive and Physical Performance in Older Adults
In older adults, vitamin D-fortified yogurt has been shown to maintain cognitive performance and serum 25OHD levels. A study on older community-dwelling females found that fortified yogurt helped maintain global cognitive performance and vitamin D status, although it did not significantly affect gait parameters or handgrip strength .
Conclusion
Vitamin D-fortified yogurt offers multiple health benefits, including improved serum vitamin D levels, reduced parathyroid hormone, better glycemic control, and favorable changes in anthropometric and metabolic parameters. These benefits make it a valuable addition to the diet, particularly for individuals at risk of vitamin D deficiency, diabetes, and bone health issues.
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