White Papers: The Benefits of Enrichment and Fortification of Refined Grains

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.

Modeling the Contribution of Enrichment and Fortification to B Vitamin and Iron Intake in the US Population examines the impact on nutrient adequacy if enriched flour was replaced with unenriched flour in bread aisle products (i.e., bagels/English muffins, flatbread/pita, wheat flour tortillas, white rolls and white bread).

The History and Public Health Benefit of Enrichment and Fortification of Refined Grains 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.

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. 

Download these two white papers below to learn more.