General Mills pioneered the practice of fortifying cereal with vitamins and minerals, and in 2008 extended its leadership by fortifying all its children’s cereals with calcium and vitamin C.
Fortified cereals provide more iron, folic acid, zinc, B vitamins and fiber than any other conventional noncereal breakfast choice. Many fortified cereals also add vitamin A, thiamin, niacin, calcium, phosphorous, magnesium and/or potassium. When combined with fortified milk, the levels of healthful micronutrients and macronutrients in cereals provide for a nutrient-dense breakfast meal.
Vitamin D and calcium are critical nutrients for strong, healthy bones. Research estimates that nearly one in 10 American kids are deficient in vitamin D and about six out of 10 kids don’t get the recommended amounts of calcium.7, 43
Vitamin D enables the body to absorb calcium, so that calcium can do its work of helping to build and maintain strong bones and teeth.44 New studies also show that vitamin D may reduce the risk of a number of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes.45
Vitamin D occurs naturally in many foods, including herring, catfish, salmon, fish liver oil, beef liver and eggs. But it can be difficult to get enough of these foods to meet vitamin intake guidelines, especially for kids.
That’s where fortified foods can help. For example, in the United States, milk has long been fortified with vitamins A and D. But products like cereal and yogurt can help as well.
