Bioavailability of Calcium in Heat-Processed Milk

Bioavailability to rats of calcium in milk subjected to the DASI Free Falling Film system (UHT) of pasteurization was compared with the bioavailability of the mineral in raw, high temperature-short time pasteurized, and stored UHT milks. In two other studies, the calcium in the milks was equilibrated with 47Ca. Intestinal absorption (both uncorrected and corrected for endogenous fecal excretion) and femoral deposition of calcium were measured. In another study, femur calcium was determined in rats deriving calcium and phosphorus exclusively from the milks. No significant effects were attributable to heat treatment.