Calcium-fortified soymilk: Function and health benefits

Lily Stojanovska, Mutamed Ayyash, Vasso Apostolopoulos

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

    Abstract

    Calcium is an essential element to human bones where 99% of total calcium in the body is found in teeth and bones. Calcium is absorbed by active transport and passive diffusion across the intestinal mucosa. Calcium deficiency can lead to disorders like osteoporosis. Calcium is present in dairy foods and calcium-fortified products, such as soymilk. With increasing allergies to milk proteins in the last 2 decades, calcium in the diet has been reduced, leading to calcium deficiency. Soymilk has therefore become an alternative to milk and its products. However, the amount of calcium in soymilk is low, and therefore the need for calcium fortification. Soy products have played an integral part in the Asian diet for many centuries. In the western diet soy products are used due to their protein content, but more importantly for the health benefits in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases, notably cancer, osteoporosis and heart disease. This chapter discusses the beneficial effects of soymilk in health and disease.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationCalcium
    Subtitle of host publicationChemistry, Analysis, Function and Effects
    EditorsVictor R. Preedy
    PublisherRoyal Society of Chemistry
    Pages310-328
    Number of pages19
    Edition10
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2016

    Publication series

    NameFood and Nutritional Components in Focus
    Number10
    Volume2016-January
    ISSN (Print)2045-1695
    ISSN (Electronic)2045-1709

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Analytical Chemistry
    • Food Science

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