Sure, fortified cereals sound healthy, but what does it actually mean? Let’s scratch beneath the wholegrain surface.
What’s a fortified cereal?
Fortified cereals contain added vitamins and minerals, such as calcium and iron, which help our bodies to function properly with the nutrients we need.
Is Weetabix fortified?
Yes, many Weetabix cereals – like Weetabix Original – are fortified with iron and a number of vitamins. These include:
- Niacin (B3), riboflavin (B2) and thiamin (B1), which help us get our energy from food.
- Iron. Cereals fortified with iron help us produce red blood cells and carry oxygen around the body.
- Folic acid, which helps the body make red blood cells.
If these ingredients sound like a science experiment, don’t worry – the benefits of fortified cereals are pure and simple.
What are the benefits of fortified cereals?
Fortified breakfast cereals are positive for our health in various ways:
- Reduce tiredness. Nutrients like niacin, riboflavin, thiamin and folic acid can reduce tiredness and fatigue. Fortified breakfast cereals help you start the day with a spring in your step.
- Great for kids. Iron is crucial for children’s growth and development.
- Benefits during pregnancy. Fortified cereal ingredients like folic acid support normal maternal tissue growth during pregnancy. Be sure to check the ingredients.
Are all cereals fortified?
Nope! Most cereals are fortified, but a select few – such as muesli, granola and some porridges – are often unfortified.
But hang on – these unfortified cereals are good for you, right? Let’s get to the crunch.
Why ‘fortified’ is not the full story
While fortified cereals have their own benefits, there are other reasons why a bowl of Weetabix is good for our health.
- High in fibre. High-fibre cereals help with our digestion.
- Low in salt. Too much salt is bad for our blood pressure, but Weetabix contains only 0.1g of salt per serving (two biscuits).
- Low in sugar. Weetabix contains just 1.7g of sugar per serving.
- Low in fat. With just 0.8g of fat per serving, Weetabix is a low-fat breakfast option.
What are B12 fortified breakfast cereals?
Some fortified cereals contain vitamin B12, which helps keep our nervous system healthy and can reduce tiredness and fatigue.
Cereals such as Weetabix Protein Crunch are vitamin B12 fortified. Or we can get our B12 intake elsewhere and enjoy a Weetabix classic – such as Weetabix Original – with a splash of almond milk.
Do fortified cereals contain vitamin D?
Certain fortified cereals in the Weetabix family, such as Weetos, and Weetabix Crispy Minis (Chocolate Chip and Fruit & Nut), contain vitamin D. We need vitamin D to keep our bones, teeth and muscles healthy.
Which Weetabix cereals are fortified?
There are countless Weetabix cereals that are fortified with iron and other priceless nutrients. Examples include the timeless Weetabix Original, but also delicious alternatives like Weetabix Banana and Weetabix Crispy Minis Fruit & Nut.
Go forth and fortify!
So there you have it – fortified cereals help our bodies function with the fuel we need to kick-start each day. So the next time you’re hankering for a healthy breakfast, what will you choose?
Niacin, riboflavin and thiamin contribute to normal energy yielding metabolism as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Iron contributes to normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin, and contributes to normal oxygen transport in the body.
Folic acid contributes to normal blood formation.
Niacin, riboflavin, thiamin and folic acid contribute to the reduction in tiredness and fatigue as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Wheat bran fibre contributes to a reduction in intestinal transit as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and teeth, plus normal muscle function.