Vitamins And Minerals

Vitamins and minerals are essential nutrients that the body needs in small amounts to function properly. They are naturally found in foods and can also be added to processed foods during manufacturing. Many vitamins and minerals are produced through chemical synthesis or extracted from natural sources.

Manufacturers add vitamins and minerals to fortify foods, meaning to increase their nutritional value. This is common in products like breakfast cereals, bread, dairy products, and beverages to help consumers meet their daily nutrient requirements. They can also be used as ingredients in dietary supplements.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates vitamins and minerals added to foods. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine have established Upper Intake Levels (ULs) for many vitamins and minerals to help prevent potential harm from excessive consumption. International bodies like the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have also evaluated many vitamins and minerals. While generally recognized as safe and essential when consumed at recommended levels, very high doses of certain vitamins and minerals can have adverse health effects.