What do these seemingly unrelated foods—iodized salt, whole grain bread, and almond milk—have in common? These are all examples of foods that frequently receive essential dietary supplements. Foods that have additional nutrients added to them are referred to as fortified foods. The definition of fortified food is one that has intentionally added nutrients that do not naturally occur in the food. These nutrients, which are truly lost in that food item, include vitamins, minerals, and other essential micronutrients. Initial attempts to address the widespread insufficiencies of some supplements in a community were made by fortifying diets.
The list of foods that have been fortified with nutrients is extensive and growing, and as demand rises, so does the number of popular foods that have been so enhanced. Numerous fortified foods address the most severe and prevalent nutritional deficiencies among their customers. Folic acid, a type of B vitamin, was added to bread to reduce birth abnormalities and low birth weight in newborns, which were brought on by a lack of folate. However, some fortified foods can contain supplements that serve no use or are in poor condition. These are frequently merely introduced to attract buyers' attention; they offer no real advantages. comparable to the frequent addition of vitamins A and D to skim milk. These vitamins are fat-soluble, but since skim milk lacks the necessary fat, the body is unable to effectively process and absorb the vitamins from this milk.
To effectively meet your nutritional needs, it is often crucial to making an informed decision before purchasing and consuming fortified foods. Therefore, it is crucial to discuss some of the benefits and drawbacks of fortified meals.
The World Health Organization (WHO) asserts that micronutrients considerably contribute to the burden of disease experienced globally. Micronutrient deficiencies can be responsible for long-term problems such as impaired childhood development, metabolic diseases, or a weakened immune system's ability to fight infections in addition to the direct harm they bring to people's health through the intense absence of symptoms. Fortified foods are an effective way to provide nutrients to a population in both wealthy and impoverished regions. Iodized salt, as previously said, may be a perfect example of how strengthening a frequently consumed food item might be effective in treating a general nutrient deficiency. Essentially, the addition of folic acid to bread was fruitful in countering folate insufficiencies in pregnant ladies, which decreased the rate of birth defects caused by this lack. Vitamin A is commonly added to staple foods around the world, like grains and rice, to assist in combat visual impedances caused by an insufficiency of this vitamin.
Even while it is true that many nutrients are not present in people's diets at the recommended amounts, energized meals can help to address this problem. However, many supplements have upper limits that are only marginally higher than the recommended value. These nutrients can have unfavorable side effects when consumed in excess of their upper limit. Critics are particularly worried about vitamin and mineral toxicity, which can occur if fortified foods deliver a nutrient in excess amounts.
The bottom line is, Foods that have been fortified or improved are beneficial. They can fill in the gaps and boost the usage of a certain vitamin or mineral that would otherwise be below the recommended value. However, it is too easy to urge too much. Overdosing supplements may be caused by these foods. Pay attention to how much of each supplement you consume. Don't discount meals like dark leafy greens that lack a nutrition label. Watch your serving sizes to eliminate any possibility that you are taking too many additional vitamins or minerals. No matter what, adding more vitamins won't make up for inadequate dietary intake. Avoid foods that are heavy in salt, include trans fats, or are sugar-rich.
PDO I Kimberly M. Tanador, RND
References:
- What to Know About Fortified Foods
https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-to-know-about-fortified-foods#:~:text=Fortified%20foods%20can%20help%20maintain,digestion%2C%20and%20prevent%20heart%20issues.&text=They%20help%20with%20dietary%20needs,foods%20that%20cause%20allergic%20reactions.
- Are Fortified and Enriched Foods Healthy?
https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/fortified-and-enriched-foods
- What are Fortified Foods? | Fortified Foods Examples & Benefits
https://study.com/learn/lesson/fortified-foods-examples-benefits.html
