Fuente: "milk OR dairy products" J Sci Food Agric. 2026 Jul 31. doi: 10.1002/jsfa.70946. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTBACKGROUND: Adding vitamin D3 (VD3) to foods is crucial for maintaining health, but it is susceptible to heat, moisture, oxidation, and pH. Nanocochleates, which are stable lipid-based delivery systems, are excellent for incorporating VD3 to use in food systems. In this study, phosphatidylcholine (PC)-based nanocochleates loaded with VD3 were characterized and optimized using response surface methodology, with a focus on the molar ratios of VD3/PC, aqueous/organic phases, and calcium chloride (CaCl2)/PC.RESULTS: The results indicated that the entrapment efficiency of VD3 in nanocochleates ranged from 31.78% to 61.21%, with particle sizes ranging from 157.9 nm to 521.4 nm, all of which were negatively charged. Release studies demonstrated that VD3 was released in a controlled manner from nanocochleates when exposed to gastrointestinal conditions. Various analyses (transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray diffractometry (XRD)) confirmed the proper formation and entrapment of VD3 in nanocochleates. These nanocochleates also improved the long-term physical and thermal stability of VD3 in milk, coffee, and juice beverage models.CONCLUSION: Nanocochleates offer a promising approach for sustaining VD3 delivery and maintaining its functional properties in the temperature processing conditions of foods. The addition of CaCl2 to liposomes influences their vesicle structure and enhances the physicochemical properties of the delivery system. Nanocochleates demonstrated great stability during food processing and digestion, thereby increasing the bioaccessibility of VD3. They can also shield VD3 from extreme conditions such as pH fluctuations and high temperatures. Overall, nanocochleates offer improved system stability during processing and digestion, preventing premature release of the encapsulated bioactive in harsh environments. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.PMID:42535294 | DOI:10.1002/jsfa.70946