
Food fortification is the process of adding essential micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, to food products. This is done to improve the nutritional value of the food and to help prevent deficiencies of these nutrients in the population.
There are several reasons why food fortification is important:
Nutrient deficiencies: Many people, especially in developing countries, do not have access to a varied and balanced diet, which can lead to deficiencies in essential micronutrients. Fortifying food products can help to ensure that people get the nutrients they need to maintain good health.
Public health: Micronutrient deficiencies can have serious consequences for public health. For example, iron deficiency anemia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in many countries. Fortification can help to prevent these deficiencies and the associated health problems.
Efficient and cost-effective: Fortifying staple foods, such as flour and rice, is an efficient and cost-effective way to deliver micronutrients to a large portion of the population. This is especially important in areas where access to healthcare is limited.
Complementary to other interventions: Fortification can be used in conjunction with other interventions, such as supplementation and dietary diversification, to address micronutrient deficiencies.
Overall, food fortification is an important strategy for improving public health and reducing the burden of micronutrient deficiencies.
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