Bioavailability of vitamin D₂ and calcium from fortified milk.

The objective of the present investigation was to determine bioavailability of calcium and vitamin D₂ from milk fortified with either calcium or vitamin D₂ alone or when both were used for preparation of multiple micronutrient fortified milk and also to study its interaction with iron and zinc bioavailability. 32 weanling male rats (aged 21-28 days) were assigned into four groups and were fed milk and milk fortified with calcium, vitamin D₂ and calcium+vitamin D₂. Vitamin D₂ increased calcium bioavailability. In multiple micronutrient fortified milk, the bioavailability of both calcium+vitamin D₂ increased in comparison to single fortification. Calcium fortification decreased, whereas vitamin D₂ increased the absorption of iron and zinc. However, calcium and vitamin D₂ when fortified in combination, the iron and zinc bioavailability was similar to control group. There was positive association between bioavailability of calcium and vitamin D₂.