Tag: Iron in cereal

According to the Royal Society of Chemistry, manufacturers add a fine powder of food-grade iron to many cereals to act as a mineral supplement. This may seem strange, but fortified cereals contain elemental iron, which can be extracted with a strong magnet.

Over 2 billion people worldwide suffer from iron deficiency, prompting widespread food fortification, yet a simple kitchen experiment reveals a surprising aspect of this added nutrient. You can demonstrate how to remove iron from cereal using nothing more than a plastic bag, water, and a strong magnet. This article explains the science behind this fascinating trick and explores its nutritional implications.

According to a study published in the *Nutrition Journal*, consuming fortified cereals can significantly increase micronutrient intake and improve status for nutrients like iron, B vitamins, and folate. However, some individuals prefer or require unfortified options, and thankfully, there are many cereals that aren't fortified with additional vitamins and minerals, though they may still contain naturally-occurring nutrients.