Vitamin Increased by Milk Irradiation

Irradiated milk is produced to increase the content of which vitamin?

Correct Answer: Vitamin D

Irradiated milk is produced by exposing milk to UV rays, which converts the precursor 7-dehydrocholesterol (present in milk fat) into Vitamin D. This process is also called UV irradiation of milk.

Vitamins in Milk — Quick Summary

• Milk is a poor source of Vitamin C.
• Cow milk is particularly rich in Vitamin A and Carotene.
• Milk is a good source of Thiamine (B1) and Riboflavin (B2).
• Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) and Vitamin C are lost during pasteurization and sterilization.
• Butter contains all fat-soluble vitamins: A, D, E, and K.

Fortified Milk vs. Irradiated Milk

• Fortified milk: Mineralized and vitaminized milk — vitamins/minerals are directly added.
• Irradiated milk: Vitamin D content is specifically increased by UV rays treatment (not by adding vitamin D directly).

Why Other Options Are Wrong

• Vitamin A → not synthesized by UV irradiation; it is added in fortified milk.
• Vitamin C → actually destroyed by heat/pasteurization; not produced by UV treatment.
• Vitamin E → not produced by UV irradiation of milk.