What is Fortified Rice?
Fortified rice is regular rice that has been enhanced with essential micronutrients to help bridge nutritional gaps in the everyday diet.
Specifically, Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) — made by combining rice flour with nutrients — are blended into normal rice at a ratio of 1:100, so that every serving becomes more nutritious without affecting taste, color, or cooking method.
The key micronutrients added in fortified rice include:
Specifically, Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) — made by combining rice flour with nutrients — are blended into normal rice at a ratio of 1:100, so that every serving becomes more nutritious without affecting taste, color, or cooking method.
The key micronutrients added in fortified rice include:
- Iron – helps in the formation of hemoglobin and prevents fatigue and weakness caused by anemia.
- Folic Acid – essential for cell growth, DNA formation, and particularly important during pregnancy to prevent birth defects.
- Vitamin B12 – supports healthy nerve function and aids in red blood cell production.
Why is Fortification Important?
In India and many developing countries, a large part of the population suffers from “hidden hunger” — a condition where a person eats enough calories but lacks essential nutrients.
📉 Nutritional Challenges in India:
📉 Nutritional Challenges in India:
- Over 50% of women and children in India are affected by iron-deficiency anemia.
- Many people — especially in rural and low-income groups — do not get enough folic acid and vitamin B12 from their daily meals.
- This leads to fatigue, poor concentration, low immunity, and increased risk of complications in pregnancy.
Benefits of Fortified Rice:
- Boosts Iron Levels: Helps in preventing and treating iron deficiency anemia.
- Rich in Folic Acid & B12: Supports healthy brain function and prevents neural tube defects.
- Improves Immunity: Essential nutrients enhance the body's ability to fight infections.
- Safe & Tasteless: Fortified rice looks, smells, and tastes the same as normal rice—no change in cooking or flavor.
- Ideal for All Ages: Suitable for children, adults, and pregnant women to maintain overall health.
- Government Recommended: Promoted by the FSSAI and Indian Government under nutrition improvement programs.
- Long Shelf Life: Nutrients remain stable during storage and cooking.