Whole Grain Nutrition
Whole grain products contain the entire endosperm, bran and germ found in proportional amounts in the unprocessed grain kernel. There are some whole grain breakfast cereals that are fortified with folic acid on a voluntary basis, but no other whole grain products are.
Refined unenriched grain products have had the germ and brain removed with only the endosperm remaining. This represents less than 5% of the total white flour milled in the U.S. It is used primarily for organic and artisan products. A small amount goes into mixes for overseas consumption.
Enriched/fortified grain products are refined grain products that have the three major B vitamins and iron replaced in equal amounts to those in whole grain products as defined by the standards of identity. They also are fortified with folic acid in amounts slightly double that found in whole grain products. This higher level of folic acid fortification now makes enriched grain foods also fortified grain foods. This includes such things as white bread, rolls and the majority of other grain foods. This represents approximately 95% of the total white flour milled in the U.S.
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