Enriched, Fortified: What’s the Difference?

Enriched, Fortified: What’s the Difference?

April 7, 2006

“Enriched” and “fortified” are terms that mean nutrients – usually vitamins or minerals – have been added to make a food more nutritious.

“Enriching” means adding back nutrients that were lost during food processing. For example, B vitamins, lost when wheat if refined, are added back to white flour.

“Fortified” means adding nutrients that weren’t present in the food to begin with. For example, milk is fortified with vitamin D to help your body absorb milk’s calcium and phosphorus.

You can get more information about enriched and fortified foods by reading the labels on food products.

Produced by ADA’s Public Relations Team

 

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