The Truth About Fortified Foods

MIAMI (CBSMiami) - Some food items on store shelves are appealing to health conscious consumers by fortifying their products with protein, fiber, whole grains, and extra vitamins.

What does the labeling all mean and are too many of the added boasts a good or bad thing?

Food shoppers today often decide on what they need. For example, one shopper may look for extra protein, while another may shop for added fiber.

According to nutritionists, the way a person figures out exactly how much protein their body needs a day is by way of simple math; just divide a person's weight in half and the resulting number is the amount of grams of protein needed in a day.

Nutritionist Jenn Culbert believes that most people probably eat the recommended amount of protein by eating a balanced diet.

"Three ounces of chicken has about 21 grams. Greek yogurt 15-18 grams, pasta, bread, rice…a couple grams. So it really does add-up throughout the day," said Culbert.

What about the products that boast added vitamins and nutrients?

According to dietician Em Biever, just like protein, you get most of those vitamins and nutrients from a regular diet. Also, too much of anything is not good for you.

"I think there are some dangers with certain fat soluble vitamins and minerals that in high-dose our body hangs on to it and that can be problematic," said Biever.

Fortified foods, like a Naked Fruit Smoothie, advertise 1900 % of a daily dose of vitamin C which is more than your body can absorb. Over time too much vitamin C can cause nausea, vomiting and heartburn.

Biever believes that people need to be savvy and aware of what they are consuming.

Also, why an added boost of vitamins or nutrients may sound appealing, it's probably better consume them straight from the source; vegetables, fruits, lean proteins and more.

By focusing on a balanced healthy diet, most people will consume all the vitamins and nutrients they need.