Vitamin Fortification Strategies in Milk
Vitamin fortification in milk presents distinct technical challenges in maintaining nutrient stability throughout processing and shelf life. Studies show that vitamin A levels can decline by up to 40% during standard processing, while vitamin D stability varies significantly with storage conditions and packaging materials. These losses are compounded by interactions between vitamins and minerals, oxidation reactions, and exposure to light and heat during processing.
The core challenge lies in developing fortification methods that preserve vitamin bioavailability while maintaining the milk's sensory properties and processing efficiency.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including vacuum-assisted wet mixing techniques, lipid globule engineering for enhanced vitamin stability, lecithin-based preservation methods, and targeted nutrient delivery systems. These and other approaches focus on practical implementation in commercial dairy processing while ensuring consistent nutrient levels throughout the product's shelf life.
1. Manufacturing Process for Vitamin K3-Enriched Powdered Milk with Lecithin Treatment for Enhanced Stability
EPI INGREDIENTS, 2025
A process for manufacturing powdered milk enriched with vitamin K3 (VK3) that maintains its stability for at least 24 months. The method involves a specific combination of lecithin treatment during the drying process to prevent VK3 degradation. This approach enables the production of powdered milk with a stable VK3 concentration, particularly in the menadione (MNB) form, which is more resistant to degradation compared to menadione sodium bisulfite (MSB). The resulting powdered milk can be used as a nutritional supplement for young animals, including puppies and kittens.
2. Micronutrient Supplementation Kit with Targeted Nutrient Delivery for Human Milk Fortification
MJN US HOLDINGS LLC, 2025
A human milk fortifier micronutrient supplementation kit for preterm infants, enabling precise and targeted supplementation of essential micronutrients through mother's own milk. The kit specifically addresses the unique nutritional needs of preterm infants, particularly in terms of sodium, chloride, zinc, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin C, DHA, and inositol. The kit provides a comprehensive solution by delivering these critical micronutrients in a single, easily administered dose throughout the day, rather than relying on bolus supplementation. This approach enables the delivery of optimal levels of essential nutrients to preterm infants, particularly those with limited access to donor human milk or other fortified milk sources.
3. Nutritional Composition with Lipid Globules of Defined Size and Phospholipid Coating for Enhanced Vitamin Stability
NUTRICIA EARLY LIFE NUTRITION SHANGHAI CO LTD, 2024
Nutritional compositions like infant formula with improved vitamin stability during storage. The compositions contain lipid globules with specific size and surface coating properties to stabilize vitamins like A, D, and E. The lipid globules have a volume average diameter of at least 1.0 um and at least 45% have diameters of 2-12 um. They can be coated with phospholipids derived from mammalian milk. The compositions also contain vegetable lipid at 10-50% of dry matter. This combination provides lower vitamin degradation compared to conventional formulas during storage.
4. Milk Supplement Composition with Balanced Vitamin and Mineral Blend for Young Livestock
DENKAVIT LICENTIE EXPL MIJ B V, 2024
Service products for supplementing milk to improve the nutritional status of young animals in livestock farming. The products contain a balanced blend of vitamins and minerals, particularly targeting deficiencies in iron, vitamin C, D, and E, which are critical for growth and health. The products are designed to be added to milk, either as a temporary supplement or as a top dressing, and are formulated to enhance the natural physiological processes of nutrient absorption in young animals.
5. Vegan Milk Infused with Vitamin B12 from Mangifera Indica Seed Kernel via Novel Extraction Method
DESAI PRIYANKA, 2022
Vegan milk enriched with vitamin B12 from Mangifera indica seed kernel, achieved through a novel extraction method. The milk contains naturally occurring vitamin B12 and other essential nutrients, making it a cost-effective and nutritious alternative to traditional plant-based milk. The process involves extracting vitamin B12 from the seed kernel using a proprietary method that preserves the natural form of the vitamin. This results in a milk that not only meets the daily vitamin B12 requirement but also retains the other essential nutrients found in traditional milk.
6. Method for Evaluating Cattle Feed Nutritional Value via Controlled Fermentation and Gas Production Measurement
DSM IP ASSETS BV, 2019
A method for evaluating the nutritional value of cattle feed using a controlled fermentation process. The method involves measuring the gas produced during 24-hour incubation in the rumen fluid of cattle grazing on tropical pasture. The gas production rate is directly correlated to feed digestibility and energy content. The method incorporates specific nutrients like vitamin D3, beta-carotene, and biotin to enhance fertility performance in Nellore cattle. The fermentation process allows controlled measurement of feed digestibility and energy content through gas production, providing a consistent and reliable method for evaluating nutritional value.
7. Method for Fortifying Milk Using Vacuum-Assisted Wet Mixing and Separate Dry Blending of Vitamins
Beingmate Baby & Child Food Co., Ltd., BEINGMATE BABY FOOD CO LTD, 2016
Method to prepare fortified milk with reduced vitamin losses compared to existing methods. The fortification involves wet mixing natural vitamin E with dairy under vacuum conditions, followed by dry blending of natural vitamins A and C. This allows better retention of vitamins A and C during fortification. The dry blending is done separately to avoid oxidation during mixing. The wet mixing with vitamin E is done under vacuum to prevent oxidation. The fortified milk can have higher vitamin A levels compared to existing methods.
8. Functional Food Product with Bioactive Compound Blend and Variable Nutrient Profile
ZHURAVLOVA TAMARA ANDRIIVNA, ????????? ?????? ?????????, ?????????? ?????? ?????????, 2016
A functional food product that combines essential nutrients for optimal health and performance. The product contains a unique blend of bioactive compounds, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, designed to support physical and mental well-being. The formulation addresses specific nutritional deficiencies commonly encountered by individuals with high physical demands, chronic diseases, or those engaged in regular physical activity. The product's bioactive profile is engineered to provide enhanced physiological benefits, including improved energy metabolism, immune function, and mental performance, while maintaining optimal physiological parameters.
9. Feed Supplement Composition for Cattle with Inorganic Trace Elements and Vitamins
HZHYTSKYI LVIV NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF VETERINARY MEDICINE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY, ?????????? ???????????? ??????????? ???????????? ???????? ?? ????????????? ?? ?.? ?????????, ????????? ???????????? ??????????? ???????????? ???????? ? ????????????? ?? ?.? ????????, 2015
Preventing mineral-vitamin deficiencies in young cattle by correcting their diet with trace elements and vitamins. The method involves supplementing the cattle's feed with specific levels of inorganic trace elements like calcium, phosphorus, cobalt, zinc, manganese, selenium, and iodine. In addition, vitamins A, D3, E, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B12 are added. This premix can be made by mixing monocalcium phosphate, vitamins, and wheat bran or rye.
10. Method for Fortifying Dairy Products via Feed Composition with Inactive Yeast Containing Vitamin D2
LALLEMAND SPECIALTIES INC, 2015
A method for fortifying dairy products with vitamin D that eliminates the need for costly and complex operations. The method involves fortifying milk from lactating cows with a feed composition containing inactive yeast comprising vitamin D2, which is then processed to form the dairy product. The feed composition is specifically designed to enhance milk vitamin D content while maintaining normal mineral balances. This approach enables consistent and reliable vitamin D fortification in dairy products, particularly for cheese and yogurt, without requiring additional processing steps or supplementing with crystalline vitamin D.
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