Fortification and health: challenges and opportunities

Area of Science:

• Public Health Nutrition
• Food Science
• Nutritional Policy

Background:

• Food fortification adds nutrients to edible products to correct deficiencies or balance diets.
• Historically effective against diseases like rickets and goiter, fortification's role has evolved.
• Current programs focus on low dietary intakes rather than diagnosed deficiencies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current issues in food fortification, primarily in the US and Canada.
• To recommend responsible fortification practices for safety and effectiveness.
• To address the evolving landscape of fortification in public health.

Main Methods:

• Summary of a symposium presented at the ASN Scientific Sessions at Experimental Biology 2014.
• Focus on current fortification issues and policy recommendations.
• Discussion of responsible marketing and consumer education.

Main Results:

• Fortification has historically reduced deficiency diseases.
• Modern fortification requires updated strategies beyond eliminating deficiency diseases.
• Need for diligent monitoring, responsible marketing, and clear guidelines.

Conclusions:

• Responsible fortification requires prudent application, diligent monitoring, and effective consumer education.
• Guidelines must adapt to changing demographics, food supply, and technology.
• Development of clear lines of authority for fortification policies is crucial.