Which nutrient fortification is commonly added to dairy products to prevent a deficiency in the population?

• A. Vitamin A
• B. Vitamin D
• C. Vitamin C
• D. Vitamin E

Answer: (B)

Vitamin D fortification of dairy products is a common public-health strategy because vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and bone health. Many people don’t get enough vitamin D from sunlight or from their regular diet, and milk is a widely consumed staple, so adding vitamin D to dairy helps ensure adequate intake across the population. This supports proper bone mineralization and helps prevent conditions like rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. While other vitamins may be added in some fortified dairy products for different reasons, vitamin D is the nutrient routinely used to prevent deficiency through dairy fortification.