Improve bread for vitamin D and calcium

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

New research shows that many Americans are deficient in vitamin D.
Researchers at the University of Maryland have found that older men and women do not get enough vitamin D. This is important, because we now know vitamin D is more relevant to bone health than previously realized. So an adequate intake may protect from osteoporosis and fractures.

That is why the researchers are calling for the fortification of bread with both vitamin D and calcium to protect bone health. Bread is a recognized vehicle for the fortification with important but under-consumed nutrients. It is stable and the added vitamins and minerals evenly distributed. It is a cheaper way of consuming nutrients than taking supplements. In particular, the researchers would like whole-grain bread to be fortified. This ties in well with recent dietary guidelines which urge consumers to 'make half your grains whole'.

Source
University of Maryland 21st June 2006

Please take a moment to give us your comments. For questions about Health matters you may check our "Questions & Answers" Portal and Service.