fortified
FOR-tih-fyed
/ˈfɔːrtɪfaɪd/
Food that has had extra nutrients added to it that were not originally present, or were lost during processing.
Different from 'enriched,' which means replacing nutrients lost during processing; 'fortified' means adding nutrients that weren't there to begin with.
The story behind the word. From 'fortis' (strong) and 'facere' (to make). Historically, this word was used for strengthening city walls against invaders; today, we use it to describe strengthening our bodies by adding vitamins back into flour or milk.
Word relationships
- enriched: Enriched means putting back what was lost; fortified means adding something new or extra.
- depleted: Depleted means having had the nutrients removed or used up.
Word family
- fortify (verb): To strengthen or provide with defensive works.
- fortification (noun): The addition of nutrients to food.
Collocations
- fortified wine
- fortified cereal
- fortified with vitamins
- nutritionally fortified
Example sentences
- "Many countries require milk to be fortified with Vitamin D to prevent rickets in children." Public health initiatives.
- "The cereal is fortified with iron and B vitamins to make it a more complete meal." Breakfast cereal marketing.
Memory hook
Think of a 'fort'. A fort is a strong building. Fortified food is 'strong' food. Make it a fort (strong).
When not to use
Don't use this for adding flavor (that's seasoning); it is strictly for nutritional enhancement.
Fun facts
- Iodized salt was one of the first 'fortified' foods, created to prevent goiters in the early 20th century.
Explore more words
biofortification, fortify, supplementation, supplement, reinforced, nutrient
Also appears in
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.