Question

Explain the term food fortification with micronutrients.

Answer 1

Micronutrients:

1. Micronutrients are nutrients that are required by the body in lesser amounts for its growth and development.
2. They play a major role in the metabolic activities of the body.
3. These include vitamins and minerals.
4. Since our body cannot produce vitamins and minerals, they are taken externally from different food products.

Food fortification with Micronutrients:

1. Food fortification is defined as the addition of micronutrients and vitamins in foods to increase their nutritive value.
2. The addition of nutrients that are not naturally present in the food aims to increase the nutritional quality of the food.
3. Some examples of food fortification in the addition of vitamin D in the milk, and calcium in the fruit juices available on the market.
4. Research shows a reduction in cases of goiter, anemia, and iron deficiency with the help of the food fortification technique.