Effect of folic acid fortification on the characteristics of lemon yogurt

Development of dairy products with new flavors and health benefits helps the dairy industry increase sales of products as well as provide consumers with products they enjoy. Folic acid is used in the prevention of neural tube defects, heart defects, facial clefts, urinary tract abnormalities, and limb deficiencies. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of different concentrations and stage of addition of folic acid on the physico-chemical and sensory characteristics of lemon yogurt over a storage period. Lemon yogurts were manufactured with 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of the RDA of 400 μg folic acid per 224 ml cup. Folic acid was added before and after pasteurization of yogurt mix. Moisture, ash, fat, and protein concentrations were measured at week 1 only. Folic acid concentration was measured at weeks 1 and 5. Viscosity, pH, TA, syneresis, color, and sensory analysis were measured at weeks 1, 3, and 5. Mean folic acid content values were higher when folic acid was added post-pasteurization. Average mean viscosity values were lower when folic acid added post-pasteurization. Greater syneresis was seen in samples where folic acid was added post-pasteurization. Less viscous yogurts had more free whey resulting in higher syneresis values. Level of folic acid impacted flavor scores. As level of folic acid increased, flavor scores decreased.