**Core Concept**
Fortification of foods with specific nutrients is a public health strategy to prevent and control micronutrient deficiencies in a population. This involves adding a particular nutrient to a commonly consumed food item to enhance its nutritional value. Iodine fortification of salt is a classic example of this practice, aimed at reducing the incidence of iodine deficiency disorders such as goiter and cretinism.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Iodine fortification of salt works by increasing the iodine content in the diet, which is essential for the synthesis of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). Iodine is a critical component of the thyroid hormones, and its deficiency can lead to hypothyroidism. The addition of iodine to salt ensures that people consume a sufficient amount of iodine through their diet, thereby preventing iodine deficiency disorders. This practice is particularly effective in areas where iodine-rich foods are scarce or not readily available.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because fortification of foods with specific nutrients is not a form of supplementation, which involves taking additional nutrients outside of the normal diet.

**Option B:** This option is incorrect because fortification of foods with specific nutrients is not a form of enrichment, which involves adding a nutrient to a food item to enhance its nutritional value, but not necessarily to prevent a deficiency.

**Option C:** This option is incorrect because fortification of foods with specific nutrients is not a form of pasteurization, which is a process of killing pathogens in food.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
One of the key benefits of iodine fortification of salt is that it is a cost-effective and sustainable way to prevent iodine deficiency disorders, especially in areas where access to healthcare and iodine-rich foods is limited.

**Correct Answer: A. Fortification of foods with specific nutrients as salt with iodine is an example of an effort to prevent and control micronutrient deficiencies in a population.**