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. 2012:56.
doi: 10.3402/fnr.v56i0.5459. Epub 2012 Apr 2.

Vitamin food fortification today

Maria de Lourdes Samaniego-Vaesken  1 , Elena Alonso-Aperte, Gregorio Varela-Moreiras
Affiliations

Vitamin food fortification today

Maria de Lourdes Samaniego-Vaesken et al. Food Nutr Res. 2012.

Abstract

Historically, food fortification has served as a tool to address population-wide nutrient deficiencies such as rickets by vitamin D fortified milk. This article discusses the different policy strategies to be used today. Mandatory or voluntary fortification and fortified foods, which the consumer needs, also have to comply with nutritional, regulatory, food safety and technical issues. The 'worldwide map of vitamin fortification' is analysed, including differences between develop and developing countries. The vitamins, folate and vitamin D, are taken as practical examples in the review of the beneficial effect of different strategies on public health. The importance of the risk-benefit aspect, as well as how to identify the risk groups, and the food vehicles for fortification is discussed.

Keywords: deficiencies; folic acid; food fortification; policies; vitamin D.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Distribution and main target consumption population groups of folic acid-fortified foods available in the Spanish market.Note: Adapted from Samaniego-Vaesken et al. (25).
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Distribution of main folic acid-fortified food groups available in Spain.Note: Adapted from Samaniego-Vaesken et al. (25).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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