Foods, fortificants, and supplements: Where do Americans get their nutrients?

Summary

This 2011 cross-sectional analysis examined the dietary sources of nutrients for Americans, distinguishing between contributions from whole foods, fortified food products, and dietary supplements. The work provides a baseline characterisation of how the U.S. food supply—including fortification policies and supplement use—shaped micronutrient and macronutrient adequacy across the population. The findings likely inform understanding of nutrient security in industrial food systems and the role of fortification versus whole-food-based nutrition.

Regional applicability

Whilst conducted in the United States, the study's approach—quantifying nutrient contributions from fortified products versus whole foods—is relevant to United Kingdom food policy and nutrition surveillance. The United Kingdom relies less heavily on fortification than the U.S., making direct comparisons instructive for evaluating the relative importance of mandatory fortification (e.g. flour fortification) versus dietary diversity in meeting population nutrient requirements.

Key measures

Proportion of nutrient intake derived from unfortified foods, fortified foods, and dietary supplements; prevalence of supplement use; micronutrient and macronutrient sources by food group and supplement category

Outcomes reported

The study characterised the relative contribution of whole foods, fortified foods, and dietary supplements to total nutrient intake among the American population. It likely quantified which food categories and supplement types were primary sources of key micronutrients and macronutrients.

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