Food Fortification and Supplementation Strategies: Global Trends and Effectiveness

Micronutrient deficiencies remain a major public health concern worldwide, affecting growth, cognitive development, and overall health. Food fortification and nutritional supplementation have emerged as effective strategies to address these deficiencies, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Fortification involves adding essential vitamins and minerals to commonly consumed foods, while supplementation provides targeted doses of nutrients through tablets, syrups, or powders. Global trends indicate widespread adoption of these interventions, with notable successes including salt iodization, iron-folic acid supplementation, and vitamin A programs. The effectiveness of these strategies depends on factors such as nutrient bioavailability, program coverage, adherence, regulatory compliance, and consumer acceptance. Despite challenges like inequitable access, logistical constraints, and risk of overconsumption, innovations including biofortification, nanoencapsulation, and integrated digital health approaches are enhancing program reach, sustainability, and impact. This review highlights global trends, program effectiveness, challenges, and emerging strategies, emphasizing the importance of multisectoral policy support, monitoring, and evidence-based implementation. Combining fortification, supplementation, and dietary diversification is critical for achieving long-term nutritional security and improving public health outcomes worldwide.

⓿ Food fortification and supplementation are effective, scalable strategies for reducing global micronutrient deficiencies, particularly among vulnerable populations.

⓿ Mandatory and targeted nutrition programs have significantly improved health outcomes such as anemia reduction, cognitive development, and maternal–child health.

⓿ Program effectiveness depends on nutrient bioavailability, coverage, adherence, and strong regulatory and monitoring frameworks.

⓿ Emerging approaches, including biofortification and advanced nutrient delivery systems, offer sustainable solutions to enhance the impact of nutrition interventions.