What does the term "fortified" mean in relation to food?

The term "fortified" in relation to food specifically refers to the process of adding additional vitamins or minerals to a product that were not originally present in sufficient amounts or at all. This practice is utilized to help improve the nutritional quality of food products and to help prevent deficiencies in the general population. Common examples of fortified foods include cereals that have added vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, or folic acid.

This approach contrasts with other terms related to food processing, such as "enriched," where nutrients that were lost during the processing of the food are added back. The concept of fortification is aimed squarely at enhancing the nutritional profile of food, making it particularly valuable in public health initiatives aimed at addressing specific dietary deficiencies in a population.