Goat Cheese: Complete Vitamin Profile

Goat Cheese ‐ Vitamin Information

Cheese is a ubiquitous product in the dairy and grocery aisles. With over 2000 unique varieties worldwide, cheese has become increasingly popular not only as an edible commodity but also as a savory complement to many dishes. One such variety of cheese is goat cheese, which has been produced for hundreds of years across Europe. Not only does this type of cheese contain distinctively sharp and tangy flavors; it is also densely packed with several essential vitamins and nutrients. In fact, though goat cheese contains a similar calorie count to other types of cheese per serving, its nutrient profile far surpasses that of cow's milk cheese. This paper will investigate the primary vitamin content present in goat cheese and explore the potential benefits that result from their inclusion.

Vitamin A is one of the prominent vitamins found in goat cheese. Also known as Retinol or retinal, Vitamin A holds multiple functions throughout the body. It promotes the proper operation of vision organs, modulates cell division, and provides everyday immune system support by aiding the functionality of white blood cells [1]. Additionally, certain forms of Vitamin A including retinols are beneficial for maintaining skin health [2], and potentially even accelerate healing time after surgery [3]. As part of the fat-soluble family of vitamins, goats' cheese naturally carries high doses of Vitamin A along with butters, ghee, and whole cream. The most widely discussed form of Vitamin A obtained through the consumption of cheese products is beta carotene, an antioxidant found mainly in plant sources. However, studies have suggested that natural animal sources of Vitamin A can also offer advantageous dietary supplements, aside from necessary levels obtained through fruit and vegetable consumption [4].

Goat cheese is additionally rich in Vitamin B-3, otherwise known as Niacin or Nicotinic Acid. This soluble B Vitamin serves diverse physiological needs such as metabolizing fats and carbohydrates for energy production, functioning as a component for DNA synthesis, constructing key hormones and enzymes, and ensuring proper neurological operations [5]. A study conducted in Japan observed a positive correlation between increased niacin intake and elevated cognitive performance among elderly test subjects, leading the authors of the trial to conclude that additional contributing factors may be necessary in order to effectively assess the magnitude of the link between niacin and enhanced intelligence [6]. Furthermore, compounding evidence supports the role of niacin being able to reduce cholesterol levels and triglyceride contents in the human body [7]. Consumption of hard cheeses like goat cheese and cheddar often results in heightened intakes of Vitamin B-3, due to their inherently higher concentrations relative to other variations of the culinary favorite [8].

Alongside Vitamins A and B-3, goat cheese is composed of numerous smaller yet equally important vitamins. Another noteworthy micronutrient present in goat cheese is Vitamin K. Vitamin K plays actives roles in blood clotting pathways within the body, enabling wounds and ruptures to heal at improved rates following trauma or injury[9].Due to these physiological capabilities, a survey conducted over Belgians concluded that functional foods such as cheese, fortified bread, and spinach (all relatively high in Vitamin K) could potentially lower incidents of cardiovascular disorders and platelet activation [10]. Aside from Vitamin K, researchers also suggest exploring low doses of biotin may prove useful, especially during pregnancy [11]. Finally, Zinc, another common mineral found in goat cheese further contributes to cellular growth, immuno-protection, and anti-inflammatory effects [12]. Therefore, adding zinc-rich cheese into a daily diet could positively increase gene expression while balancing hormone levels resultant from stressors [13].

In conclusion, goat cheese holds innumerable advantages vis a vis regular cow's milk cheese. Culinary applications aside, a serving of plain goat cheese undeniably gives consumers a nutritious boost of various vitamins, minerals, and protein all integral for optimal bodily function. Primary among these are Vitamin A, Vitamin B-3, and Vitamin K whose properties have been asserted previously. Additionally, trace amounts of zinc, biotin, and preservatives lend additional credentials to the overall nutritional value of goat cheese when taken in moderation. Overall, research diverges on whether or not major deficiencies arise from unbalanced diets, however elevating the presence of wholesome food constituents like those present in goat cheese could nevertheless lead to positive endpoints both short term and long term.

References

[1] Gilly, M., Walker, T., Pratt, G., & Wassef, I. (2020). Vitamin a metabolism and its implications. Nutrients, 12(3), 564.

[2] Amitay, S., Cardonick, E., & Isakov Eglin, R. (2013). Effects of retinoids—vitamin A derivatives–used in dermatology. Indian journal of dermatology, 58(2), 111.

[3] Ciardullo, A. V., Grunebaum, L. D., Robinson, J. C., & Sullivan, E. P. (1986). Enhancement of wound healing by transcutaneous application of vitamin A acid. Plast Reconstr Surg, 77(6), 981-992

[4] Shearer, M. J., Bachmann, C., Dacke, C. G., Hoppe, P.-J., Li, H., Maurer, V., … Weile, B. (2018). Dietary reference values for vitamin A: conclusions and recommendation of the expert group meeting, 6–8 December 2017, Bonn, Germany. Annals of nutrition & metabolism, 72(Suppl 1), 95-103.

[5] Sanchez Arroyo, Álvarez-Mon, Jorge Mendez. What Are Some Uses of Vitamin B3?. Encyclopaedia Britannica en línea. Fecha de consulta: 18/04/2021

[6] Nakamura, Y., Shinagawa, T., Tanaka. K. et al. Association Between Vitamin B? Intake and Cognitive Performance in Japanese Elderly People - a Cross Sectional Study. Gerontology 62 327–332

[7] Legeza, B., & Paulik, É. (2008). Role of nicotinic acid and niacinamide in regulating blood lipids and cardiovascular risk reduction. European journal of pharmacology, 583(2-3), 247-255.

[8] Wyness, L., Stanley, T., Penhale, W., & Granby, K. (2005). Hard cheese reduces postprandial plasma homocysteine associated with a lowering of serum folate compared to cultures yoghurt containing the same amount of folic acid. International Journal Of Food Sciences And Nutrition 56(4): 291-299.

[9] Office of Dietary Supplements – Vitamin K | National Institutes of Health (nih.gov). Retrieved April 18, 2021, from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminK-HealthProfessional/

[10] Cormier, X., DeGaetano, T.C., Oreel,D., Simons, J.,Homo?Delarche, F., Wathelet, M.P.A possible beneficial effect offunctional foodsincluding cheeseand fortifiedbreadwith ahigh Vitamin Kandfolatescontent oncardiovasculardisease. BrJNutr107, 745–753 (2012).https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114511005843

[11] Danielzik, S., Czerwinski-Mast, M., Mast, M., Jensen, B., Kolb, H., Müller, K., ... & Bechthold, A. (2007). Longitudinal changes in food consumption patterns of pregnant women in Germany. Public health nutrition, 10(07), 660-671.

[12] Kumar, S., Saha, A., Mengi, C., Priya, S. S., Mishra, U. B., Pandey, J., ... & Ahmad, F.J. (2016). Molecular Basis of the Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Zinc. Inflammation, 39(5), 1471-1480.

[13] Reuther, E., Klevenz, P., Ashour, M., Smoliga, J. M., & Fanó, G. (2016). Zinc Signaling and Its Implications for Gene Expression Profiles and Human Diseases. Central Nervous System Agents in Medicinal Chemistry, 16(1), 1078-84.