fortified
FOR-tuh-fyd
/ˈfɔːrtɪfaɪd/
Increased in nutritional value by adding vitamins or minerals.
In food science, this specifically refers to adding nutrients that were not originally present, as opposed to 'enriched', which replaces nutrients lost during processing.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'fortis', meaning strong. Just as a 'fortress' is built to be strong against attack, 'fortified' food is made 'stronger' to protect against nutritional deficiencies.
Word relationships
- strengthened: A general term, whereas 'fortified' is the specific technical term for nutrition.
- enriched: Enriched means adding back nutrients lost; fortified means adding new ones.
- depleted: Having had nutrients or strength removed.
Commonly confused with
- enriched: Enrichment replaces lost nutrients; fortification adds nutrients that weren't there to begin with.
Word family
- fortify (verb): To strengthen or add nutrients.
- fortification (noun): The process of adding nutrients.
Collocations
- fortified with
- nutritionally fortified
- fortified wine
- fortified cereal
Example sentences
- "Many plant milks are fortified with Vitamin B12 and calcium to match the profile of cow's milk." Nutritional science.
- "The government mandated that all wheat flour be fortified with folic acid to prevent birth defects." Public health policy.
Memory hook
Think of a 'fort'—it's built to be strong. Fortified food builds a strong body. Stronger through addition.
When not to use
Don't use this for adding flavor (that's 'seasoned') or adding bulk (that's 'padded').
Fun facts
- Iodized salt was one of the first widely 'fortified' foods, designed to prevent goiters in the 1920s.
Related words
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.