Question

Prompt #1 for this Discussion: Some foods such as protein bars and energy drinks, are fortified with large amounts of nutrients. These foods add nutrients to the diet but if eaten in large quantities or in combination with other highly fortified foods they may pose the risk of toxicity. Are they a safe, health addition to your diet? (PLEASE TYPE OUT ANSWER NOT HAND WRITE IT IT'S HARD TO READ)

Answer 1

Fortified foods consumption is high in the modern day eating habbits and is ever increasing.

It is true that they are high in nutrients and vitamins. But as the saying goes too much of anything is bad, if taken more than the necessary daily requirement even essential nutrients can be harmful. Some of the fortified foods we consume on daily basis are cereal, proteins snacks, high protein bread, protein snacks etc. For example foods like some cereals provide hundred percent of our daily requirement of iron and calcium in one meal. If added with milk, the calcium consumption per meal is higher than what is supposed to be consumed in a whole day. Too much of calcium can increase the chances of having renal caliculi(stones). Too much of iron can pose risks of diabetes and to circulatory system. Some people also take folic acid supplementation, artificial forms of folate. It's true that pregnant women need more folate and are advised supplementation with folic acid. Consumption by normal people is shown to mask early signs of vitamin B12 deficiency.

This trend of fortified foods consumption is due to our lifestyle of hectic schedules and busy lives. People are facing difficulty in finding time to prepare normal foods and rely on these fortified foods which are as easy and quick. This is seen more in students and working age group. But considering the risks they pose, it is better to limit the consumption of fortified foods and start consuming healthier options like milk, yoghurt, fruits, vegetables and meat for daily nutrient requirement.

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