Which vitamins and minerals are added to which foods?
Remember when your morning OJ was just a simple glass of juice? Today it could be a nutritional cocktail, with added antioxidants, calcium, folic acid -- even fish oil to help you get your omega 3s. The same goes for dairy products, eggs, breads, cereals and most other packaged foods. All this fortifying must provide health benefits, right? While that might be true for some people, for others, fortified foods may offer too much of a good thing.
Fortifying food isn't new -- in the 1930s we added vitamin D to milk to prevent rickets, the bone-softening disease, and since the 1920s, salt has been fortified with the mineral iodine, which prevents the development of goitres. But whether or not you choose foods with specific added ingredients should depend on your personal nutritional needs.
Women need more calcium
For women of all ages, especially postmenopausal women concerned about calcium, opting for cow's milk with added calcium can be a smart move. Do you prefer rice milk beverages? Those fortified with calcium, zinc, vitamins A and D, and some B vitamins including B12 offer nutrient levels comparable to those of cow's milk.
Iron, another nutrient often used in fortified food, can be beneficial in many ways. An iron-fortified cereal can assist in meeting your increased iron needs if you're pregnant, nursing or have heavy periods. However, high iron stores could be harmful in the case of postmenopausal women. The iron may act as pro-oxidants, substances that may speed up oxidation, which can damage tissues, including your arteries, and boost your risk of developing heart disease and certain cancers.
More folic acid for pregnant women
Folic acid, a B vitamin, is another critical nutrient for pregnant women. Research shows that consuming adequate amounts prior to becoming pregnant significantly decreases the risk of having a baby with neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Consequently, the federal government requires that all white flour products be fortified with folic acid.
Click to continue for details on how traditionally non-nutritional foods are being pumped up...
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