What Vitamins Are in Yogurt?

Yogurt is widely recognized as a panacea for ailments ranging from diarrhea to yeast infections. Yogurt yields a variety of vitamins to boot.

Vitamin D

• Since it's usually not found naturally in milk products, the amount of vitamin D varies in yogurt depending on the manufacturer. Manufacturers might fortify yogurt with vitamin D to help the body absorb calcium.

Calcium

• The amount of calcium present in yogurt depends on the type. Whole yogurt has the least amount, while nonfat yogurt contains the most. One 8 oz. cup of plain, whole milk yogurt contains 296 mg of calcium. One 8 oz. cup of plain, nonfat yogurt contains 488 mg of calcium.

B Vitamins

• In yogurt, you'll find riboflavin (vitamin B2), cobalamin (vitamin B12) and pantothenic acid (vitamin B5). All belong with the B vitamin group, water-soluble vitamins that play an important role in the body's metabolism. One cup of plain yogurt contains 0.348 mg of riboflavin, 0.91 mg of cobalamin and 0.953 mg of pantothenic acid.

Potassium

• Yogurt contains plenty of the mineral and electrolyte potassium. Potassium plays a role in muscle contraction and nerve stimulation. One cup of plain, whole-milk yogurt has 380 mg of potassium.

Zinc

• Yogurt is also a source of zinc, containing about 1.44 mg per cup. Since it's required for the function of enzymes, zinc is essential for the body's metabolism.