By

i The overall objectives of this thesis were to assess the calcium absorption of calcium fortified soymilk (CFSM) compared to cows ’ milk in post menopausal women, and to investigate ways of optimising the calcium bioavailability from commercially available CFSM. The project consisted of two parts: in vitro studies and the in vivo clinical studies. The objective of the in vitro studies was to enhance calcium bioavailability from CFSM by fermenting it with 6 strains of Lactobacillus spp. Calcium solubility, phytase activity, hydrolysis of phytic acid and isoflavone bioconversion were investigated. There was a significant increase (P < 0.05) in soluble calcium when pH decreased in the fermented CFSM. Most strains produced phytase during fermentation, with L. acidophilus ATCC4161 showing the highest activity. Phytic acid degradation was not observed. Fermentation of CFSM also increased (P < 0.05) the level of bioconversion o