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When reading food packaging, you may have seen the words "fortified" or "fortified" followed by certain nutrients. This writing is usually found in dairy products, flour, or cereals. However, lately you can also find fortified foods in the form of bread, cooking spices, and even food for children.
What exactly is meant by fortified food? Then, are foods that have gone through this process become healthier than ordinary foods? Check out the answer in the following information.
Get to know fortified foods and their benefits
Fortified or fortified food is an intake that has been added with various kinds of nutrients that are naturally not contained in these foods. For example, milk fortified with vitamin D, fortified cereals with vitamin B, etc.
In addition to enriching the nutritional content of food ingredients, fortification is also useful for restoring nutrients lost in the processing process. That way, packaged food ingredients still contain the same nutrients as their raw materials.
Food fortification has actually been started since the 1930s. The goal is to prevent vitamin and mineral deficiencies by adding them to food ingredients commonly consumed by people, such as milk and rice.
The nutrients added to fortified foods are generally micronutrients, namely nutrients the body needs in small amounts. Even though they are needed in small amounts, micronutrients play an important role in carrying out the normal functions of the body.
In Indonesia, fortification has been carried out by adding iron in wheat flour, vitamin A in cooking oil, and iodine in salt. It aims to overcome stunting, malnutrition, and disorders due to iodine deficiency in children.
World Health Organization stated that fortification was an effective way to provide nutrients to the public without drastic changes in diet. In fact, this program can also prevent diseases caused by micronutrient deficiencies.
Is fortified intake more healthful?
Fortified food is very useful in preventing health problems associated with micronutrient deficiencies. These foods are also very important for vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with special diets.
However, fortified foods also have drawbacks. This food material usually has gone through a lot of processing and has been packaged. This process will increase the fat, sodium, and sugar content in it.
Children are also at risk for excess vitamin and mineral intake if they consume fortified foods too often. Excess intake of vitamins and minerals in the long term can have a negative impact on health.
Even adults can experience excess intake of micronutrients, especially if they also regularly take supplements. Excess vitamin A, for example, can brittle the spine in the elderly and interfere with fetal development in pregnant women.
Even so, the benefits of fortified foods outweigh the risks. The reason is, the addition of nutrients is not done without consideration. The types of nutrients for fortification have also been adapted to the needs of the people of each country.
The key is to eat a variety of foods. This means that in addition to consuming fortified foods, you also get nutrient dense food intake from natural sources. A varied diet will provide your body with a variety of nutrients, but still balanced.
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