Current vitamin D intakes in Canada are inadequate. The extension of vitamin D fortification to additional foods may be an effective and appropriate strategy for increasing vitamin D intakes in the general population. Cheese is potentially an ideal candidate for vitamin D fortification. We introduce the potential use of casein proteins as a vehicle for vitamin D3 fortification in industrially made cheeses where we found that over 90% of vitamin D3 added to milk was retained in both Cheddar and Mozzarella cheeses. Use of casein proteins for vitamin D3 fortification did not fully prevent vitamin D3 loss into whey. However the loss was minimized to approximately 8%. We then show that vitamin D3 is bioavailable from fortified Mozzarella cheese baked with pizza suggesting that the high temperature baking process does not significantly breakdown vitamin D3. Our findings could have important implications in increasing fortified food options for Canadians.

Current vitamin D intakes in Canada are inadequate. The extension of vitamin D fortification to additional foods may be an effective and appropriate strategy for increasing vitamin D intakes in the general population. Cheese is potentially an ideal candidate for vitamin D fortification. We introduce the potential use of casein proteins as a vehicle for vitamin D3 fortification in industrially made cheeses where we found that over 90% of vitamin D3 added to milk was retained in both Cheddar and Mozzarella cheeses. Use of casein proteins for vitamin D3 fortification did not fully prevent vitamin D3 loss into whey. However the loss was minimized to approximately 8%. We then show that vitamin D3 is bioavailable from fortified Mozzarella cheese baked with pizza suggesting that the high temperature baking process does not significantly breakdown vitamin D3. Our findings could have important implications in increasing fortified food options for Canadians.

Master of Science / Food Science Institute - Animal Science & Industry / Fadi M. Aramouni / Smoke flavored foods continue to be a popular choice among consumers. In this study, a caramel-type flavor in whipped cream applications via Maillard reaction pathways was evaluated. A highly refined liquid smoke fraction was developed using a delignified pulp wood source, and a patented activated carbon filtration process. To maximize sensory and reactionary capabilities, a liquid smoke fraction with phenol and carbonyl concentrations of 0.07mg/ml and 12.9g/100ml, respectively, was developed. Heavy cream containing a 0.075% addition of the refined liquid smoke fraction was evaluated when reacted at 50, 63, and 72°C for 15 sec prior to chilling at 0°C for 12 h, and whipping for 8 min using a handheld mixer. Sensory analysis showed the addition of liquid smoke increased whipped cream sweetness and caramel flavors, while imparting minimal off-flavors. Probable Maillard pathways were predicted for the reaction taking place between the liquid smoke and the dairy proteins upon thermal processing. This technology can be used to develop other foods which are not traditionally smoke flavored.