Nutrient Intake from Voluntary Fortified Foods and Dietary Supplements in Japanese Consumers: A Cross-Sectional Online Survey

Abstract

Consuming voluntary fortified foods (vFFs) and dietary supplements (DSs) is one method for addressing micronutrient inadequacy, but their efficacy is unclear. This study explored the use of vFFs and DSs, and the role of package labels. We conducted a nationwide online survey of 4933 Japanese adults in 2020. The use of vFFs and DSs was 23.3%. The reported vFFs were cereal products (n = 370), milk products/milk substitutes (n = 229), and one-shot drinks (n = 144). Vitamins, calcium, and iron were the main micronutrients added to the vFFs. Most users consumed vitamins C and B from vFFs and/or DSs, and females also consumed iron. The median intake of vitamins B6 and C, selenium, and zinc (plus vitamin B2 and copper in females) exceeded 50% of the respective estimated average requirement values. Approximately 60–70% of the users referred to nutrition labels. However, only a small percent of the respondents clearly understood the nutrient content. To address insufficient nutrient intake, the use of vFFs and DSs may be a good alternative; however, consumer education on the use of vFFs/DSs and package labels needs to be implemented before encouraging their use.