Are you curious about fortified food and want to know about them? Do you also want to know whether these are really beneficial or not? Fret not; we have got your answers.
Fortified foods are food items rich in vitamins and essential nutrients. These are added artificially. These are used to cover the deficiency of these nutrients in our body. We will provide you with detailed information about them below. We will share their benefits, potential concerns and everything.
After completing this read, you will know all about fortified foods and whether you need them. Moreover, you will also learn about its benefits for kids. Could you stay connected with us for more details?
What Are Fortified Foods?
Fortified foods are those in which other nutrients, minerals and multivitamins are added to food artificially. Some micronutrients are necessary for our bodily functions, but our body cannot produce them independently. Food makers add vitamins and other nutrients to the food through chemicals.
These chemicals are tasteless and don’t have any texture or smell. Some foods lose essential nutrients during cooking, but fortified foods are vitamin-enriched. For example, milk is fortified with vitamin D.
Common Fortified Foods
Here are some of the common fortified foods. You can increase their use or add them to your diet to increase the use of fortified food.
- Breakfast cereals
- Bread
- Eggs
- Fruit juices
- Milk alternatives
- Milk
- Yoghurt
- Salt
Vitamins And Nutrients In Fortified Food
These are vitamins and micronutrients, which are usually added to fortified food. These are enlisted below.
- Folic acid
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B12
- Calcium
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Iron
- iodine
Benefits Of Fortified Foods
Fortified foods, which are enriched with vitamins and nutrients, have a lot of health benefits. There are the following health benefits of fortified food.
Cost Of Fortified Food
Fortified foods are not costly, but if we take these foods in our daily routine, they may be expensive for some people. It may be costly like fish enriched with omega-3 fatty acids, but eggs, milk, and other products fortified with omega-3 fatty acids are less expensive and have equal nutrients.
Nutrients Related Disease
Fortified foods can prevent you from nutrient-related diseases. When you get food with better nutrients, your body will be energetic. These foods have reduced the rates of nutrient deficiency diseases like rickets. You must take these foods to avoid excess nutrients according to the doctor’s recommendation.
Older Adults
Above the age of 40, our body absorbs some nutrients, so these fortified foods help to maintain our body. It helps improve our digestive system and heart conditions and strengthens our bones.
Children Growth
Children need more nutrients than adults. Fortified foods increase their height and also improve children’s growth. They also need a balanced diet with fortified food. Their body needs enough vitamins to support growth.
Pregnancy
Pregnant and feeding women do not get enough vitamins from their food because they are feeding a growing baby. For example, folic acid is recommended to many pregnant women to stop birth problems.
Potential Risks
Along with the benefits, fortified foods also have potential risks if you take them without proper precautions. Some potential risks are discussed below.
Vitamin Overdose
Taking any vitamin more than its dose will have many risks and harm to your body. For example, if you are taking multivitamin tablets more than their dose, then it could be very dangerous for your health and can cause a disease.
Unhealthy Foods
Fortified foods are highly processed foods. It should have high quantities of sugar, fats, sod,ium, etc, which may lead to some diseases like obesity. You have to take care of these things while taking fortified foods.
Fortified Food For Adults And Kids
Fortified food is beneficial for both adults and kids. Although most adults don’t need it, a deficiency of nutrients and vitamins can cause a lot of health concerns. It is especially necessary for children for their growth and good health.
For Adults
Maintaining good health is essential in your adulthood. These usually fulfil the unique nutritional needs of mature individuals. These foods’ vital vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients boost energy levels, improve immune function and promote bone health in adults. Their balanced use can improve your overall health.
For Kids
In childhood, fortified foods can be vital in growth and development. These provide the essential nutrients for the well-rounded development of kids. These can boost the impact of kids’ everyday meals into a source of nourishment. This nourishment can help the kid’s physical growth, cognitive function, and immune resilience.
Final Word
Wrapping it up, that was all about fortified foods. These are healthy and very beneficial if you are taking them properly. You can also fill your body gaps with this food. It will ensure you
are healthy, fresh and active. These can also boost your immune system and keep you away from diseases.
Beware, you should take them in the required amount because overdosing them can cause certain potential concerns. Consult with your doctor if you are using any medications before their use or if you are in any sensitive cognition like pregnancy. These precautions will ensure your safety alongside good health.