Food Science and the Elimination of Nutrient Deficiencies

A 1999 Centers for Disease Control report indicates that the top 10 public health achievements during the 20th century include the virtual elimination of goiter, rickets, and pellagra, all of which are related to nutrient deficiencies (MMWR, 1999). Iodinization of table salt and vitamin D fortification of milk and orange juice via food science and technology played a major role in these public health achievements.

Currently 46.2 million people in the United States live below the poverty line (Cen…