Skimmed milk as a determinant of vitamin A deficiency

  • Colin Musara University of Zimbabwe
  • Mudavanhu Nyagura University of Zimbabwe
Keywords: recommended dietary allowance, skimmed milk, vitamin A, whole milk

Abstract

Objective: To compare the levels of vitamin A in ultra-high temperature treated (UHT) whole milk (3.5% fat) and UHT skimmed milk (0.5% fat) using UV-visible light spectrophotometry and to compare the contribution of whole milk and skimmed milk to the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin A. Design: Paired samples of liquid whole milk and liquid skimmed milk were used. Sampling and analysis were performed by different individuals to achieve a randomised blind design. Outcome measures: Thirty paired samples (n = 30) of whole milk and skimmed milk were evaluated for vitamin A content using UV-visible light spectrophotometry at 328 nm. Results: Absolute concentration of vitamin A was reduced from 208.830 ± 0.083 μg/L in whole milk to 35.855 ± 0.046 μg/L in skimmed milk. The 85.7% reduction in butterfat content from 3.5% in whole milk to 0.5% in skimmed milk was accompanied by an 82.824 ± 3.51% (mean ± SD) reduction in retinol content. Conclusion: The contribution of milk to the RDA for vitamin A was reduced from the standard 7.6% for whole milk to 1.30% for skimmed milk with 0.5% fat. The results emphasise the need for fortification of skimmed milk with vitamin A in order to augment the prevention of vitamin A deficiency diseases in developing countries. (Full text available online at www.medpharm.tandfonline.com/ojcn) South Afr J Clin Nutr 2017; DOI: 10.1080/16070658.2017.1237454

Author Biographies

Colin Musara, University of Zimbabwe
Senior Lecturer Department of Preclinical Veterinary Studies University of Zimbabwe
Mudavanhu Nyagura, University of Zimbabwe
Department of Preclinical Veterinary Studies University of Zimbabwe
Published
2017-03-29
How to Cite
Musara, C., & Nyagura, M. (2017). Skimmed milk as a determinant of vitamin A deficiency. South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 30(1), 34-36. Retrieved from http://sajcn.co.za/index.php/SAJCN/article/view/1137
Section
Short Reports or Scientific Letters