Taking a Stand on Fortification and Supplementation

The American Dietetic Association (ADA) recently released its first Position Paper on the topic of nutritional fortification and supplementation. This paper, which appeared in the August 2005 issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, “addresses increasing the nutrient density of foods or diets through fortification or supplementation when diets fail to deliver consistently adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals.”

Here are the main points covered in the Position Paper, entitled “Position of the American Dietetic Association: Fortification and Nutritional Supplements”:

• The best approach for most people is to consume a variety of whole foods; however, additional nutrients from fortified foods and/or supplements can help some people meet their specific nutrition needs.
• Research has shown that increasing the nutrient density of diets via food fortification has improved the health status of special populations, such as at-risk women, infants and children.
• Adjusting the density of the diet for one or more nutrients may help protect subpopulations from environmental challenges, such as nutrient–drug interactions.
• Many resources may be used to guide nutrition experts in determining “responsible, evidence-based recommendations” relating to nutrient fortification/supplementation.