What is the primary purpose of fortification?

The primary purpose of fortification is to enhance nutritional value. This process involves adding essential vitamins and minerals to food products that either do not contain these nutrients naturally or contain them in inadequate amounts to meet the dietary needs of the population. The aim is to prevent nutrient deficiencies and promote overall health among consumers.

For instance, common examples of fortification include the addition of vitamin D to milk and iodine to salt. These practices help address public health concerns, such as preventing rickets or goiter, which can result from a lack of these nutrients in the diet. By increasing the nutritional content of foods, fortification plays a crucial role in improving overall dietary quality and health outcomes.