Handbook of Food
Fortication and
Health

In this book the Editors aim to disseminate important material pertaining to the forti fi cation of foods
from strategic initiatives to public health applications. It covers (in two volumes) policy, preclinical
studies, clinical investigations, and the impact of forti fi cation on the individual and whole communities. The importance of food forti fi cation relates to the fact that optimal nutritional intake is an essential component of health and well-being. Unfortunately, situations arise on a local or national scale
when nutrient supply or intake is deemed to be suboptimal. As a consequence, ill health occurs, for
example, neural tube defects in the developing fetus, organ damage in adults, or increased rates of
premature deaths. In terms of public health, malnutrition due to micronutrient de fi ciency can be quite
profound, imposing economic and social burdens on individuals and whole communities. The complex inter-relationship between poor health outcomes and nutrient delivery can, however, be modulated by appropriate food forti fi cation. Thereafter issues arise as to the ef fi cacy of food forti fi cation,
what strategies should be employed and what nutrients to add. The food carrier is also important, as
well as its stability. Ethical issues also arise, and the concept of potential harm also needs to be
addressed in terms of cost-bene fi ts. All of these aspects, and many others, are covered in The Handbook
of Food Forti fi cation : From Concepts to Public Health Applications.