Question

It has been suggested that alcoholic beverages be fortified with vitamins and minerals. Evaluate the merits and disadvantages for fortifying alcoholic beverages with vitamins and minerals. Explain at least two merits and two disadvantages of this idea. What would be your recommendation and what information from the readings would you use to support your points?

Answer 1

FORTIFICATION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES-

In early 1930's fortification of Beverages started by adding vitamins and other minerals in milk .

Since then , slowly manufacturers of alcoholic beverages have also started fortification of alcoholic beverages with vitamins and minerals which may offer several health benefits.

ADVANTAGES-

1. ANTIOXIDANTS -. Fortification alcoholic beverages is high in antioxidants, which neutralize free radicals that protect cells from damage and prevent diseases such as heart disease , high blood pressure etc . Vitamins C and E are well known antioxidants which are mostly added to beverages.

2. PROTECTION AGAINST DISEASES - Researchers have found that light to moderate drinking leads to lower risk of heart disease , but heavy drinking may harm hearts ability to pump blood efficiently. . It also prevent from chronic disease , like research suggest that drinking will help in improving mental and health ability and lowers the risk of depression.

3. FILL THE NUTRITION GAP - It is found that alcohol may cause many nutritional deficiency with fortification one can fill the nutritional gap.

DISADVANTAGES-.

1. HIGH IN CALORIES - The FORTIFICATION alcohol contain more calories as compared to non - fortified alcoholic beverages which cause the risk of excess weight gain and negative impact on health.

2. CONTAINS MORE ALCOHOL - The fortified alcoholic beverages in order to add vitamins have to add more Alcohol content than regular varieties . This increases Alcohol intake and may lead to liver disease,heart failure and brain damage.

3. Fortified alcoholic beverages increases sugar intake causing diabetes.

It is recommended that fortified alcoholic beverages are better then other Alcohol beverages as it adds nutrition in body but it's intake should be limited or as recommended,as higher intake may cause health problems.