By Elimu Assistant Team Discover the four main reasons for food fortification, including treating nutritional disorders, enhancing diets, improving food appearance, and flavor. Learn how fortification plays a vital role in public health.
Questions:
- Give four reasons for food fortification.
Answers:
- To Treat Nutritional Disorders: Food fortification aims to combat specific nutritional deficiencies prevalent in certain populations. By adding vital vitamins and minerals to staple foods, health authorities can effectively prevent and treat disorders such as iron deficiency anemia and vitamin A deficiency, improving overall public health.
- Enhance the Diet When One is Aware that Certain Nutrients are Lacking: Fortification serves as a practical solution for individuals or communities aware of their dietary gaps. By enriching commonly consumed foods with essential nutrients, fortification helps ensure that people receive the necessary vitamins and minerals they may not otherwise obtain from their diets.
- Improve Appearance of Food: Fortification can enhance the visual appeal of food products. Adding nutrients can change the color or overall look of food, making it more attractive to consumers. A visually appealing product can encourage healthier eating choices and increase consumption of fortified foods.
- Improve Flavor and Texture of Food: The process of fortification can also enhance the taste and texture of food. Nutritional enhancements may lead to better mouthfeel or flavor profiles, making the fortified food more enjoyable to consume. This can increase its acceptance and encourage a shift towards healthier eating habits.
