Vitamin D3 Cleared for Juices

Vitamin D3 Cleared for Juices

WASHINGTON--In response to a 2002 petition fromthe Minute Maid Co., the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is amending its foodadditive regulations to include vitamin D3 in calcium-fortified fruit juices andjuice drinks to not exceed 100 IU per serving. The amendment will exclude fruitjuices and juice drinks specifically formulated or processed for infants. MinuteMaid had submitted a summary of the metabolism of vitamin D, publicationspertaining to human clinical studies, bioavailability studies and dietary intakeestimates.

FDA cited part of its decision was based on the fact thatvitamin D is already affirmed as GRAS (generally recognized as safe) for use ininfant formula and margarine. The decision was printed as a final rule in theFeb. 21 Federal Register.