| The fortification of salt with iron may reduce the prevalence of iron deficiency globally, but fortification is complicated by iron-iodiate interactions. To minimize this interaction, a spray dry microencapsulation system was developed. This study evaluated the creation and use of this system, and produced engineered iron premixes for integration into coarse iodized salt. Bioavailable ferrous fumarate powders were encapsulated to produce small particles (<20mum). Feed systems containing both suspended and dissolved ferrous fumarate were compared to find optimal conditions. The premixes were blended into iodized salt at 1000ppmiron and stored at 40°C, ∼60%RH. The salt was sampled periodically for 6 months to evaluate iodine stability. All encapsulated samples showed increased stability. The capsules ability to adhere to the salt as well as its colour and apparent bioavailability were evaluated. The evaluated samples indicate that stable double-fortified salt based on inexpensive, coarse, unrefined salt may be obtained economically by this approach. |
