Refined grains are often highlighted as a food that is over-consumed by Americans, with recommendations to limit or reduce intake in healthy dietary patterns. However, enriched and fortified refined grain food products are a key source of micronutrients in the US diet. This white paper reviews the history of the enrichment and fortification of refined grains in response to a clear public health need and outlines the numerous beneficial outcomes.
Key Points:
- The enrichment and fortification of refined grain products in the US have resulted in improvements in micronutrient intake (e.g., folate, B vitamins, and iron) and associated diet quality, the near elimination of B vitamin deficiency-related diseases in the US, and significant reductions in the prevalence of neural tube defects (NTDs).
- Enriched and fortified refined grain foods have become a primary source of dietary fiber, which is an underconsumed nutrient of public health concern in the US.
- A reduction in refined grain consumption could lead to significant public health challenges by reducing micronutrient intakes; exacerbating already low intakes of dietary fiber; and worsening diet quality, as well as increasing the rate of NTDs and associated medical costs.
Empowering Americans with a clearer understanding of refined grains is crucial. By distinguishing between nutrient-dense staple grain foods and indulgent options, dietary guidance can better support healthy choices. Many enriched and fortified grain foods consumed by Americans are positive contributors to the American diet. Emphasizing the benefits of regularly incorporating enriched and fortified staple grains, while enjoying indulgent grains in moderation, can support improved diet quality and overall well-being.
The opportunity exists – for both food manufacturers and policymakers – to continue to investigate how enrichment and fortification could address ongoing public health issues. Further, remembering the public health successes that enrichment in the 1940s and fortification in the 1990s brought illuminates the essential nature of refined enriched and fortified foods in the American diet.
