What is one benefit of food fortification?

Food fortification is the process of adding essential vitamins and minerals to food products in order to enhance their nutritional value. One significant benefit of this practice is its ability to prevent nutrient deficiencies among populations that might not get enough of specific vitamins and minerals from their regular diet.

For instance, fortifying staple foods like salt with iodine helps to prevent iodine deficiency, which can lead to thyroid problems. Similarly, adding vitamin D to milk helps prevent deficiencies that could result in bone health issues such as rickets. By addressing these deficiencies through fortification, public health is significantly improved, leading to a healthier population overall. This practice has been particularly valuable in areas where certain nutrients are lacking in the diet due to socioeconomic factors or dietary habits.