Fortified cereals have added nutrients such as folate, thiamin, vitamin C, vitamin A, and calcium to promote health. They can reduce the risk of birth defects and certain diseases, but excessive consumption can be harmful. Fortification is effective when part of a balanced diet.
Fortified cereal is a food product usually made from processed grains that have had nutrients added in an effort to make the grain more beneficial to the health of the person eating it. If nutrients are added to a grain because they were depleted while being refined, the process is known as enrichment, whereas fortification adds vitamins and minerals that weren’t previously present in the food. The types of nutrients that are added to fortified cereals include folate, thiamin, vitamin C, vitamin A, and calcium, all of which are required for the human body to function normally. There are some medical concerns about making fortified cereals because there is a risk that, when consumed in excess, some vitamins could reach unsafe levels in the body.
One of the first widespread uses for fortified cereals was the introduction of folic acid into diets. Folic acid helps prevent problems in the body during times when cells grow and multiply faster than usual, such as during pregnancy. Adding folic acid to cereals helps reduce the risk of birth defects in the babies of women who eat cereals.
Some vitamins are added to fortified cereals because some brands are consumed largely by children at breakfast. Vitamins A, C and D are all required by growing children to help prevent problems and promote proper muscle and bone growth. Fortified cereals can be an important element in a diet, especially if there are few or no other sources for the vitamins. In this way, fortification can help prevent an unsafe nutritional deficiency.
Almost any type of grain can be fortified. The process generally involves adding powdered or liquid versions of the micronutrients to the granules before they form into their final form. In most cases, the addition of nutrients does not affect the taste or texture of the grain, although there are cases where the source of the vitamin may introduce a small amount of flavoring.
In adults, eating a well-fortified cereal on a regular basis can help reduce the risk of certain diseases, including osteoporosis, heart disease and high cholesterol. The effects of the additional nutrients, however, are most effective when consumed as part of a larger balanced diet. This is mainly because some of the vitamins and minerals found in fortified cereals are only fully absorbed when taken with other elements that may not be present in the cereal.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
