Why are refined flours enriched with nutrients?

Refined flours and cereal products are enriched with nutrients primarily to restore those lost during processing and to address potential dietary deficiencies.1

In the case of wheat, the milling process removes the bran and germ, which contain the majority of the grain's natural thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin. Furthermore, manufacturing processes—such as the heat treatments used to create flaked or puffed breakfast cereals—can destroy a significant portion of the remaining vitamins, particularly those in the vitamin B complex.23

By adding these essential vitamins and minerals back into the product after cooking or milling, manufacturers ensure that the final food items maintain a higher nutritional value for consumers.31