Fortified foods have been around for a very long time, often used as a way to control deficiencies in micronutrients such as vitamin A, D, several B vitamins, calcium, iodine as well as iron. Fortifying food, which means to “strengthen” food, is simply the addition of micronutrients to processed foods such as bread, cereal, milk and cheese or other dairy products.
Essential nutrients
Micronutrients can be found in everyday foods; these micronutrients are essential for growth and development, especially in children. However because they occur in very small quantities in some foods, it is possible for deficiencies to take place. In ensuring that the requirements of these micronutrients are met, it is therefore important that children take in a variety of foods.
What foods are commonly fortified?
Many packaged foods are fortified with some vitamins or minerals. Among the more common foods that are fortified include:
- Bread, rice, cereals – Iron, B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin).
- Milk, margarine – Vitamins A and D.
- Orange juice, soymilk – Calcium.
- Infant formula, fortified milk – Iron.
Fortified foods – the way to go?
Children need to eat various types of foods to get all the nutrients required. This may be harder for picky eaters, as they choose the food they like and refuse all others. When this occurs, they are at risk of deficiencies. Kids with very small appetites may also lose out important nutrients. In these cases, you can help by giving your child fortified or nutrient-rich foods to meet the requirements. Fortified foods provide an alternative. For example, a lactose-intolerant child may get his additional calcium needs from fortified orange juice, to still ensure strong bones and teeth.
Semakin bayi membesar, adalah juga penting untuk anda merangkumkan pelbagai jenis makanan yang berlainan ke dalam diet si manja, termasuk daging merah, ayam dan ikan, serta pelbagai jenis buah-buahan dan sayur-sayuran, produk susu, bijirin, nasi, pasta dan kentang. Apabila si manja mencapai umur satu tahun, anda boleh mulai memberikannya hidangan keluarga. Ini juga membantu memberi banyak pilihan dan mengelakkan anak menjadi cerewet makan apabila besar!
| Be aware! |
|---|
| Read ingredient labels before purchasing fortified foods. Although fortified with iron or vitamins, many cereals are high in sugar as well, which cancels out the value of the vitamins and minerals. |
Too much can be toxic
Fortified foods provide benefits to a child in ways of reducing the risks of falling sick as well as improving their overall mental and physical health. Rare are cases of nutrient overload as the body can expel excess minerals easily. However, toxicity from vitamin A and D, usually due to supplements without prescription, causes fatigue, irritability, vomiting, and drowsiness.
Always try to stick with a large variety of foods that can offer your child all the micronutrients needed for proper growth and development before turning to fortified foods. As much as possible use of natural food sources and avoid supplements unless advised by your child’s paediatrician.
| Micronutrient | Importance | Sources | Lack of micronutrients |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A (Carotene) | Crucial for eyesight, growth, to fight illnesses | Carrots, mangoes, papaya, pumpkins, dark green leafy vegetables e.g. sawi, spinach, kailan, egg yolks, fish, whoel milk | Night blindness, skin sores, higher risk of illnesses such as measles, diarrhoea, decreased immunity |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) | For healthy blood, helps digestion | Bread, cereals (usually fortified) unless whole grain | Fatigue, constipation, loss of appetite |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | Fights illness, helps growth | Nuts, milk, meat, fish, legumes, whole grains, leafy vegetables | Eye problems, skin sores, hair loss, mouth and tongue inflammation |
| Iron | Helps brain development, fight illness, carry oxygen from lungs to cells | Meat, chicken, liver, dried beans, egg yolks, dark green leafy vegetables e.g. sawi, spinach, kailan | Anaemia, tiredness, reduced concentration |
| Zinc | Maintains healthy immune system, reduce risk of skin problems | Meat, fish, poultry, oysters, yoghurt, brocoli, legumes, nuts | Slow growth, delayed wound healing, hair loss, immune deficiencies |
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