Abstract
Micronutrient deficiencies are responsible for severe functional damage in over one third of the world population. Among these are mental development retardation, a diminished working capacity and a greater susceptibility to infections. Fortification of the basic foods that most part of the population consumes, is the most efficient strategy for correcting deficiencies of essential nutrients due to the coverage, the availability and low cost. Nevertheless, the feasibility of this measure depends on the identification of a particular food that is consumed by all the population in a similar amount every day. Flours derived from cereals and its products are the most convenient for fortification with water-soluble vitamins and minerals. For fat-soluble vitamins, eatable oils are the most appropriate. Other vehicles used are sugar and spices. Also, there are advances in biofortification using biotechnology for improving micronutrient contents in cereals and other foods of daily consumption.

Key Words: food fortification, micronutrients, iron, zinc, folic acid, vitamin B, vitamin A, biofortification