Frontiers in Food Fortification: Technologies, Delivery Systems, and Public Health Outcomes

Micronutrient deficiency (MND), also known as "hidden hunger", continues to be a significant global health concern owing to the detrimental impacts it has on women of reproductive age, young children, and the elderly, affecting a population of two billion globally. Micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals (iron, iodine, zinc, vitamin A, folate, vitamin B12, vitamin D, etc.), are crucial for hormone and enzyme production; deficiencies can lead to adverse effects such as impaired cognitive development, poor pregnancy outcomes, weakened immunity, and increased mortality. It is also vital to recognize that interventions must be tailored to country-specific contexts and population needs, as “one size does not fit all” due to cultural, economic, regulatory, and dietary differences.

Despite global persistent efforts and initiatives to combat MND through appropriate supplementation and food diversification, the efforts remain ineffective due to regional disparities, socio-economic barriers, limited healthcare infrastructure, and poor adherence. Over the years, food fortification has emerged as a cost-effective, industrially feasible, and sustainable approach to overcome the micronutrient deficiencies. Therefore, in modern era of fortification, conventional techniques are replaced by food-to-food fortification, biofortification, nanotechnology, and advanced delivery mechanisms such as microencapsulation and nanocarriers, which together offer improved nutrient stability, bioavailability, and targeted delivery. However, a comprehensive knowledge of their efficacy, acceptance among the population, and impact on public health is yet to be thoroughly understood.

This research topic aims to explore these diverse approaches to food fortification with evaluating the critical role of fortified foods in combatting micronutrient deficiencies. Further, assessing their impact on public health, chronic disease prevention, and the efficacy of novel technologies in food fortification is one of the prime focuses. Moreover, emphasis will be on innovations in nutrient delivery, the intersection of technology and public health, and the role of fortified foods in enhancing food security and supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

With this perspective, we invite research articles, review papers, short communication and case studies on scientific, technological, clinical, socio-cultural, and regulatory dimensions of fortified foods. Specific areas include, but are not limited to:

o Conventional and emerging food fortification technologies

o Scientific trials on effectiveness of food fortification in improving micronutrient status in the vulnerable groups and population

o Food-to-food fortification considering locally available nutrient-dense ingredients

o Scientific trials evaluating the impact of biofortified staple crops on micronutrient status in the vulnerable groups and population

o Cutting-edge nutrient delivery technologies, including encapsulation and nanocarriers

o Impact of technological advancement in food fortification on nutrient stability and bioavailability

o Consumer acceptance, cultural perceptions, and behavior toward fortified foods

o Safety considerations, regulatory structures, and policy implications of food fortification

o Methodologies to improve adherence to micronutrient supplementation at all levels

o Approaches to strengthen cooperation and adherence from the food industry in implementing effective, sustainable food fortification

o Public health initiatives executing fortification techniques

Keywords: Micronutrient Fortification, Biofortification, Nutrient Bioavailability, Sustainable Food Systems, Public Health Nutrition

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.