The FDA is now allowing an increase in the amount of vitamin D added as an optional ingredient to milk, milk-alternative beverages, and plant-based yogurt alternatives.
FDA approval came after a scientific review determined that a greater amount of vitamin D in these products would be safe for consumption.
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for human health.
The major function of vitamin D is to help with the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the small intestine.
The FDA’s approval means that besides milk, more vitamin D may be added to beverages made from soy, almond and coconut, and edible plant-based yogurt alternatives. Vitamin D as an additive was already approved for use in soy beverages, but now the amount may be increased.
With this new approval, manufacturers can voluntarily add up to 84 international units (IU) of vitamin D for each 100 grams of milk, 84 IU of vitamin D2 per 100 grams of plant-based beverages intended as milk alternatives (such as soy milk), and 89 IU of vitamin D2 for each 100 grams of plant-based yogurt alternatives.