Breakfast
Fortification it’s all about defences!
The word ‘fortification’ means ‘a defensive wall or other reinforcement built to strengthen a place against attack’ – so what has that got to do with cereals? Well, when cereals are ‘fortified’, it means they contain added vitamins and minerals to help our brains work well, our bones grow and to maintain the body’s defences.
Why fortify?
Foods have been fortified since the 1920s, when extra nutrients were added to help make up for vitamins and minerals lacking in people’s diets. These days, if we have a balanced diet, it’s easier to reach recommended nutrient intakes, and your morning bowl of cereal can help your family get what they need. In fact, research shows that children and adults who eat fortified breakfast cereals are more likely to get the vitamins and minerals they need for the day.[1]
What’s in the box?
Crunchy, yummy and made with whole grain, most Nestlé breakfast cereals are fortified with 5 vitamins and 2 minerals, including riboflavin, niacin, B6, folic acid, pantothenic acid, iron, calcium and, sometimes, vitamin D. Take a look at the chart below to find out what they do for your body.
Did you know?
One 30 gram serving of a Nestlé cereal typically provides at least 15% of the recommended Nutrient Reference Value of each micronutrient listed in the Vitamins & Minerals table on the back of pack/on the pack. This means a morning bowl of cereal can help your family get the vitamins and minerals they need every day.
Essential vitamins and marvellous minerals
| Help release energy | Riboflavin (B2) Niacin (B3) Pantothenic Acid (B5) Pyridoxine (B6) Calcium (Ca) Iron (Fe) |
| Contribute to a healthy skin | Riboflavin (B2) Niacin (B3) |
| Help the nervous system work properly | Riboflavin (B2) Niacin (B3) Pyridoxine (B6) Calcium (Ca) |
| Contribute to healthy blood | Pyridoxine (B6) Folic Acid (B9) Iron (Fe)Riboflavin (B2) |
| Essential to normal cell division | Folic Acid (B9) Vitamin D Calcium (Ca) Iron (Fe) |
| Keep the immune system working properly | Pyridoxine (B6) Folic Acid (B9) Iron (Fe) Vitamin D |
| Contribute to healthy bones and teeth | Calcium (Ca) Vitamin D |
| Help reduce tiredness | Riboflavin (B2) Niacin (B3) Pantothenic Acid (B5) Pyridoxine (B6) Iron (Fe) Folic acid (B9) |
| Contributes to cognitive development | Iron (Fe) |
Enjoy as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
Related Articles
Footnotes
- Hannon E, Kiely M, Flynn A (2007) The impact of voluntary fortification of foods on micronutrient intakes in Irish adults. Br J Nutr. 97(06):1177-86. • INCA2 (2008) French National Dietary Survey. • Albertson AM, Thompson D, Franko DL, et al (2008) Consumption of breakfast cereal is associated with positive health outcomes: evidence from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Growth and Health Study. Nutr Res. 28(11):744-52.
Footnotes
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We've tried to answer as many of your questions as possible. You can search them all here:
Do Nestlé products in emerging countries have more salt than products in developed/developing countries?
What are the health and nutritional benefits of Nestlé Gluten Free Corn Flakes?
As well as being a healthy choice for people who want to reduce the amount of gluten in their diet, or have coeliac disease or a gluten intolerance, Gluten Free Corn Flakes are fortified with B-vitamins, folic acid and iron
How can I find foods made with whole grain?
I’ve heard a low GI diet can help me lose weight. Is this true?
Why does Nestlé label vegetable oil?
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