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 cereals are more likely to get the vitamins and minerals they need for the day.[1]
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.
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.
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