And Vitamins And Minerals

Vitamins are organic compounds essential for life, and minerals are naturally occurring inorganic elements. Both are vital for human health and bodily functions. They are found naturally in many foods and are also added to some packaged foods to boost their nutritional value.

Manufacturers add vitamins and minerals to foods to fortify them, helping consumers meet their daily nutrient requirements. This is common in breakfast cereals, dairy products, beverages, and nutritional supplements. They help ensure that foods provide essential nutrients that might be lacking in a person's diet.

In the U.S., vitamins and minerals added to foods are regulated by the FDA. Many are Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) or approved food additives. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine have established Upper Intake Levels (ULs) for many vitamins and minerals to prevent potential adverse effects from excessive consumption. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have also evaluated many of these nutrients.