Enriching Agent - Vitamin C & Vitamin A

This ingredient refers to the addition of two essential vitamins, Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and Vitamin A (often as retinol or beta-carotene), to food products. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin naturally found in many fruits and vegetables, while Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin found in animal products and as provitamin A in plants. Both can be produced synthetically.

Manufacturers add these vitamins to enrich or fortify foods, meaning they restore nutrients lost during processing or add nutrients that were not originally present. Vitamin C also acts as an antioxidant to help preserve food quality, and beta-carotene (a form of Vitamin A) can provide color. They are commonly found in juices, fortified cereals, and dairy products.

Both Vitamin C and Vitamin A are essential nutrients vital for human health. The FDA recognizes both as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) when used as nutrient supplements. JECFA has evaluated both vitamins and set acceptable daily intakes (ADI not specified). The US National Academies have established Upper Intake Levels (ULs) for both Vitamin C and Vitamin A.