Tag: Fortified dairy

Originating over 2,000 years ago in the Caucasus Mountains, kefir is a popular cultured dairy drink. The ingredients in Lifeway plain kefir are intentionally straightforward, typically including milk, pectin, fortified vitamins, and live cultures for its health benefits.

According to the Food Fortification Resource Centre, key nutrients like vitamins A and D are often lost when milk fat is removed during processing. This is why the process of adding specific vitamins and minerals back into dairy and non-dairy beverages is essential, creating what is fortified milk for adults.

According to Healthline, fortification was initially developed to prevent nutrient deficiency diseases like rickets. Today, virtually all processed cow's milk and many non-dairy beverages are fortified with essential nutrients, making fortified milk a widespread and important part of many diets.

According to a 2021 review in the journal *Nutrients*, while dairy yogurt is not naturally a high source of omega-3s, commercial fortification or specific sourcing, like grass-fed milk, can significantly increase its content. This means that finding a yogurt high in omega-3 is possible if you know what to look for on the label.

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, dairy milk is not a naturally rich source of vitamin D, but most of it is fortified to boost its content, making it easier to determine what dairy products have the most vitamin D. This fortification process is crucial for helping people meet their daily nutrient needs.

Numerous nutritional sources confirm that standard dairy products like milk, cheese, and plain yogurt contain no dietary fiber because fiber is exclusively found in plant-based foods. The answer to "does dairy have high fiber?" is a definitive no, but the full picture is more nuanced when considering fortified products.

Milk fortification, the practice of adding essential micronutrients, is a safe, effective, and affordable public health strategy used for decades. In fact, most milk sold in the United States is fortified with vitamins A and D, though it is not legally mandated. This process significantly enhances milk's nutritional profile without altering its taste or texture.

According to Lifeway's own nutrition labels, an 8-ounce serving of their whole milk kefir contains 3.8 mcg (or 152 IU) of vitamin D. This means a single serving of Lifeway kefir offers a notable portion of your recommended daily vitamin D intake.

Food fortification has been largely successful in eradicating nutrient deficiencies like rickets in developed nations. Fortified dairy products, such as milk and yogurt, are common sources of added vitamins and minerals, but is fortified dairy safe for everyone, or are there specific groups who should be cautious?

Food fortification, which includes fortified dairy, played a key role in eradicating deficiency diseases like rickets in developed countries during the 20th century. This process involves adding extra nutrients to commonly consumed foods like milk to boost their nutritional value and address public health needs.