Avoiding Fortified Foods
Hi TPW Fam,
Today I wanted to spotlight the affects of fortified vitamins and minerals in our food. You may not be aware, but majority of food that is processed is likely also fortified.
Fortification of food was initiated to correct identified nutrient deficiencies in the population. In 1924 iodine was first added to salt on a voluntary basis in an attempt to address the prevalent health problem of goiter in the United States. In 1940 the Committee on Food and Nutrition (now the Food and Nutrition Board [FNB]) recommended the addition of thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, and iron to flour (NRC, 1974). On and on this goes for years as the various food and health committees continued to add fortification to our foods.
The FDA currently has a policy statement that identifies fortification practices that manufacturers are encouraged to follow. However, this policy cannot be enforced, and FDA employs labeling requirements rather than rigid standards for nutrient composition to assist consumers. I find this lack of regulation absolutely crazy.
Why is this such a big deal? Fortified vitamins and minerals BLOCK the real vitamins and minerals from being used properly in the body. Yes, they BLOCK the natural processes that must occur for detox, sleep, energy, hormone regulation, neurotransmitters, mood, and weight. This is a HUGE deal.
For example, a lot of foods contain folic acid, and doctors recommend prenatal supplements with folic acid. Here's the kicker, folic acid is actually a synthetic form of vitamin B9 which is actually called folate. If you eat or supplement with folic acid, you are blocking your body's ability to utilize folate (B9) properly because it gets into the folate receptors and blocks natural folate from getting to where it needs to go - inside your cells. This is just one of MANY examples where fortified vitamins block naturally occurring processes in the body. I would strongly considering avoiding all forms of folic acid in foods and supplements.
In my opinion, avoiding fortified foods is a sure way to enhance nutrient absorption and utilization of foods we eat. How to do this? CHECK YOUR LABELS.
I've said it once and I'll say it again, you must check every label of every food you put in your cart.
Look at your non dairy milk ingredients, choose cleaner brands like Elmhurst or Malk.
Opt for organic sourdough bread that has no fortified nutrients.
Spend most of your time and money in the produce section where each food is whole, unprocessed, and rich in vitamins and minerals.
Add some nutritional yeast to your diet, this is rich in all B vitamins to support energy and mood.
If you're interested in learning more about the history of food fortification, you can find more here! If you are curious about Folic Acid and methylation (spoiler - super important to your body), you can find information here.
In good health,
Morgan
