Whole Food Vitamins & Minerals

These are vitamins and minerals that are naturally present in whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and grains. They are often extracted from these food sources and concentrated to be added to other products. The process aims to retain the natural form and co-factors found in the original food.

Manufacturers add whole food vitamins and minerals to fortify foods, boosting their nutritional content. They are commonly found in products like powdered drink mixes, cereals, and meal replacement shakes. Their purpose is to provide essential nutrients that may be lacking in a person's diet.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) generally regards vitamins and minerals as safe when used as intended to fortify foods. Regulatory bodies like the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated many vitamins and minerals. Typically, at the levels found in fortified foods, they are considered safe and beneficial for health. However, excessive intake of certain vitamins and minerals can lead to adverse effects, and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine have established Upper Intake Levels (ULs) for many nutrients.