Optimization of vitamin D enrichment in yoghurt

Yoghurt is a favourite dairy product for billions of people around the world and the producers constantly seek out ways of bringing new varieties for new eating occasions to be enjoyed anywhere and anytime. An attempt was made to enrich the vitamin D₃ in yoghurt. The crystalline vitamin D₃ was enriched at three different levels viz., 1000 IU, 1500 IU and 2000 IU in one litre of milk. The vitamin D₃ enriched yoghurt samples were subjected to sensory evaluation for its acceptance, using the 9-point hedonic scale. There was no significant difference observed in acidity and overall acceptability. It was concluded that the yoghurt enriched with vitamin D₃ @1500 IU in one litre of milk revealed better sensory acceptability during storage up to 14 days at 5°C. The daily requirement of vitamin D is 400 IU. Hence, by consuming 100 ml of yoghurt enriched with vitamin D₃ at 1500 IU in one litre of milk, about 10 per cent of the vitamin D daily requirement can be fulfilled.