What is Fortification of Milk with A Complete Guide
Unlike many fruits, vegetables, or trendy drinks, milk is not just consumed for its taste. It's a habit in every Indian home. Think about it: when you were a child, your mother trusted milk to help build your bones. When you are unwell, it's the first thing you need (either plain, or with haldi or tea). And on tiring nights, it's your warm, comforting go-to with some chocolate.
Milk is trusted because it's wholesome, filling, and known for its calcium-rich nutrition profile. But is it enough? Is milk sufficient to provide our bodies with the needed vitamins, minerals and calcium for today's lifestyle? Probably not. And that's why fortification of milk is essential.
Many Indians, especially children, pregnant women, and the elderly, don't get enough essential nutrients like Vitamin A, D, and calcium from their regular diet. Even regular milk falls short in meeting these daily needs. Fortified milk bridges the nutritional gap by adding vitamins and minerals without changing how we consume milk or our everyday meals.
What is the Fortification of Milk?
Fortification is the process of adding essential micronutrients, mainly Vitamin A and Vitamin D, to regular milk. These vitamins are not naturally present in sufficient quantities in milk, especially after pasteurisation or processing. By fortifying it, milk becomes more nutritious and better suited to support daily health needs.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) supports this practice as a safe, effective, and affordable way to improve public health. It’s beneficial in addressing widespread nutrient deficiencies in the Indian population. It's important to know that fortification doesn’t change milk's colour, taste, or texture. It simply enhances its nutritional value, making your daily glass of milk healthier.
How is Milk Fortified?
The milk fortification process is simple, scientific, and carefully monitored to ensure safety and consistency. It usually happens at the processing stage (just before the milk is packaged and sealed). The steps of milk fortification are:
Selection of Nutrients: Typically, Vitamin A and Vitamin D are chosen based on the common deficiencies found in the Indian population. They are the best vitamins for milk fortification.
Precise Dosage: The right amount of these vitamins is measured carefully to meet FSSAI standards. Too little will not help; too much can be harmful, so accuracy matters.
Mixing: The nutrients are added directly into the milk using a premix. This is done through special equipment that ensures uniform blending.
Quality Check: The fortified milk goes through multiple quality checks to ensure the nutrients are evenly distributed and safe for consumption.
Packaging: Once fortified, the milk is packaged like regular milk, ready for delivery to homes, stores, and schools.
What are the Health Benefits of Fortified Milk?
Fortified milk is a nutritional upgrade to regular milk. It has the following benefits:
Fights Vitamin D Deficiency: According to ET Health, over 70% of Indians are Vitamin D deficient. Since sunlight exposure is limited for many due to urban lifestyles, fortified milk offers an easy way to meet daily Vitamin D needs, which is essential for calcium absorption and bone health.
Boosts Immunity: Vitamin A plays a significant role in supporting the immune system. Fortified milk helps improve immunity, particularly in children and the elderly who are more prone to infections.
Supports Bone Health: Vitamin D and calcium strengthen bones and teeth. Fortified milk can help prevent bone disorders like rickets and osteoporosis.
Improves Vision: Vitamin A is crucial for eye health. Regular intake of fortified milk can help maintain good vision and prevent night blindness.
Helps in Overall Growth and Development: Fortified milk's nutrients play a vital role in brain development, cell repair, and maintaining skin health. It’s a smart way to support growth without adding extra supplements or pills.
Safe and Easy Nutritional Support: Since fortified milk tastes and looks just like regular milk, it easily fits into your daily routine, whether it is tea, coffee, milkshakes, or even your morning bowl of cereal.
What is the Difference between Fortified and Regular Milk?
At first glance, fortified and regular (unfortified) milk look the same. But the difference lies in the nutrients they carry and the impact they have on your health.
| Points of Difference | Unfortified Milk | Fortified Milk |
|---|---|---|
| Nutrient Content | Natural calcium and some protein | Added Vitamin A, Vitamin D, calcium boost |
| Health Support | Basic nourishment | Supports immunity, bone strength, growth |
| Taste/Colour | No difference | No difference |
| Shelf Life | Standard | Same as regular milk |
| Use | Tea, coffee, cooking, plain | Same uses with added health benefits |
| Accessibility | Widely available | Increasing availability in packaged milk |
While both types offer basic nourishment, fortified milk is a better choice for anyone wanting to increase their nutritional intake.
Get Quality Fortified Milk with Kota Fresh
At Kota Fresh, we understand the importance of everyday nutrition. That’s why our milk is not just pure, it’s fortified with essential vitamins A and D, making it a healthier choice for everyone in your family.
We follow the FSSAI-certified milk fortification process, ensuring that every pack meets high safety and quality standards. There’s no change in taste or texture, just added nutrition in the most convenient form.
We offer different types of milk (cow milk, full-cream milk, standard milk, flavoured milk, toned milk) to ensure that all your health goals are met.
FAQs
Is fortified milk safe for children?
Ans: Yes. Fortified milk is safe and highly recommended for children as it supports bone development and immunity.
Can I boil fortified milk?
Ans: Yes. You can use fortified milk as you would use regular milk. You can boil it, add it to tea, or cook with it.
Does fortified milk taste different?
Ans: No. The fortification process does not change the milk's taste, colour, or smell.
Is all packaged milk fortified in India?
Ans: Not all, but many reputable brands now offer fortified options in compliance with FSSAI guidelines.
