Rikastettuun

Rikastettuun is a Finnish term that translates to "enriched" or "fortified" in English. It is commonly used in the context of food production and refers to the process of adding essential vitamins and minerals to food products that have either lost some nutrients during processing or are not typically rich in certain nutrients. The goal of enrichment is to improve the nutritional value of the food and to help consumers meet their daily dietary requirements.

Common examples of foods that are often enriched include flour, bread, cereals, and milk. For instance, flour is frequently enriched with iron and B vitamins like thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and folic acid, which can be lost during the milling process. Milk is often fortified with vitamin D, which aids in calcium absorption, and sometimes vitamin A. These additions are intended to prevent nutrient deficiencies and promote public health.

The practice of food enrichment is regulated by government bodies in many countries to ensure that the added nutrients are safe and present in appropriate amounts. Regulations typically specify which nutrients can be added, the levels at which they should be included, and the labeling requirements for enriched products. Consumers can identify enriched foods by looking for terms like "enriched," "fortified," or specific nutrient names on the product packaging.