Evaluation of the effect of Ultra Rice® EDTA supplementation on the soluble iron,visual acceptance and vitamin A stability of commercial milled rice blends

The addition of NaFeEDTA at only 5% of total iron to ferric pyrophosphate‐fortified Ultra Rice^® increased the in vitro soluble iron ten‐fold. Ultra Rice^® formulated with NaFeEDTA at 2–7% of total iron, or with Na₂EDTA·2H₂O at 0.5× the total iron equivalents, increased the soluble iron seven‐ to thirty‐fold. The colour of the batches was acceptable through 20 weeks at 21 °C, but colour stability needs to be evaluated under authentic storage conditions. Although only 34–46% of the initial vitamin A remained after extrusion, 18‐week storage at 30 °C/70% relative humidity, and simulated cooking, there were indications that losses could be decreased by raising the pH (to ~5) and/or using a better protected vitamin A ingredient. The enhancement of soluble iron afforded by low‐level NaFeEDTA or Na₂EDTA·2H₂O supplementation suggests that this fortification strategy may merit further study as a means of increasing absorbable iron in Ultra Rice^®.     

Effect of iron compounds on the storage stability of multiple-fortified Ultra Rice®

Ultra Rice^® is an extruded, reformed rice grain used as a carrier for micronutrients. It holds great promise for alleviating micronutrient deficiencies in populations that consume rice‐based diets. We investigated the stability of multiple‐fortified Ultra Rice^® formulations in an effort to develop a stable premix containing iron, zinc, and B vitamins. The performance of four iron sources was tested under accelerated storage conditions (40 °C, 60% RH) over a period of 32 weeks. The effects of the iron source on micronutrient retention, oxidative stability, and sensory/physical properties were measured. Formulations containing ferric pyrophosphate (FePP) were the most stable, showing minimal losses of thiamin and good sensory/physical properties. Formulations containing ferrous fumarate lost more than 50% thiamin, while those containing iron‐sodium‐EDTA showed minimal loss of thiamin but developed the most rancidity. FeNaEDTA and ferrous fumarate resulted in darker coloured grains but they had a much higher in vitro bioavailability than the formulations containing FePP. The concentrations of zinc, folic acid, and niacinamide were not affected by the presence of iron during the storage tests.     

Stability of Retinyl Palmitate During Cooking and Storage in Rice Fortified with Ultra RiceTM Fortification Technology

Rice fortified with Ultra Rice^TM (UR) containing retinyl palmitate (RP) was tested as a potential vehicle for vitamin A delivery. After UR was mixed with a long grain rice at the ratio of 1 to 99 (w/w), the stability of RP in the rice mixture was studied during cooking and storage for 6 mo. After cooking, the percent retention range of RP was 75 to 87, depending upon the cooking methods. The stability of RP in the rice stored at 2 different temperatures and relative humidities (RH) appeared to be more affected by temperature than RH. Therefore, under tropical conditions, rice fortified with RP might require special handling to avoid significant RP losses.     

Effects of fermentation time and storage on the water‐soluble vitamin contents of tarhana

Changes in water‐soluble vitamins were investigated in tarhana dough during fermentation and in tarhana stored under a variety of conditions for up to 6 months. The contents of riboflavin (P < 0.01), thiamin, niacin, vitamin B₆ and folic acid (P < 0.05) increased significantly during fermentation. The thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B₆ and folic acid contents of tarhana dough were 4.80, 1.85, 7.68, 15.30 and 2.25 mg kg^?1 respectively at the beginning of fermentation and increased to 10.15, 5.15, 24.04, 19.35 and 6.10 mg kg^?1 respectively at the end of fermentation. Thiamin, riboflavin and folic acid contents were significantly affected (P < 0.01) by storage type and period, but niacin and vitamin B₆ contents were not affected (P > 0.05). The water‐soluble vitamin contents of tarhana stored wet were higher than those of tarhana stored dry. Drying resulted in a 24% reduction in riboflavin content and an 86% reduction in folic acid content. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Development of fortified dried broken rice as a complementary food

BACKGROUND: Commercially produced dried broken rice is widely used to prepare complementary foods for Thai infants, and it is both convenient and acceptable to persons from all socioeconomic classes. However, inadequate levels of calcium, iron, thiamine, and folate are common in complementary foods for breastfed infants. OBJECTIVE: We developed dried broken rice fortified with these nutrients at levels recommended by the 2001 guidelines of the World Health Organization. METHODS: The fortification process involved predrying broken rice at 90 degrees C for 1 hour, soaking in a nutrient solution (2:1 ratio of rice to solution), and drying at 70 degrees C for 1 hour and 50 minutes. Calcium lactate or calcium lactate gluconate was the calcium source, and ferrous sulfate, ferrous lactate, or ferric sodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (NaFeEDTA) was the iron source. The vitamin sources were thiamine hydrochloride and folic acid. The product contained 40 mg of calcium, 5.3 mg of iron, 0.08 mg of thiamine, and 11 microg of folate per 20-g serving. RESULTS: Approximately 5% and 10% of calcium and iron, respectively, were lost during processing, with a thiamine loss of approximately 13%, and a folate loss ranging from 17% to 23%. The thiamine loss during accelerated storage (42 degrees C for three months) was not significant (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS: NaFeEDTA was the most appropriate iron fortificant because it provided prolonged product stability and high in vitro dialyzability.     

Nutritional properties of oat‐based beverages as affected by processing and storage

Oat‐based beverages enriched with vitamins and minerals were produced with common hydrothermal treatments and stored at 22 °C for 64 weeks. The effects of decanting on the retention of native vitamins, minerals and fatty acids, and different UHT holding time (5 s or 20 s) at 140 °C on vitamins were investigated. Fatty acid profile, vitamin retention and dissolved oxygen concentration were monitored during storage. The decanting process caused a 47% increase of vitamin B₆ and a 45–74% loss of phosphorus, zinc, calcium and iron. The steam‐injection UHT treatment caused a 60% loss of vitamin D₃ for both holding times and a 30% loss of vitamin B₁₂ for 20 s. During 1 year of storage, oleic and linoleic acids were stable, whereas linolenic acid decreased only slightly, even in the iron‐enriched variety. The dissolved oxygen concentration increased to a low value of 0.71 mg L^?1 and reached a balance after 16 weeks. Most enriched vitamins except vitamins A, D₃ and B₁₂ were stable during ambient storage. Oat‐based beverages with highly retained vitamins can be manufactured by adding vitamins prior to direct UHT treatment with a shorter holding time. Additionally, iron enrichment of such beverages, without affecting the fatty acid profile, can be achieved by filter sterilisation. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Production of maize–bambara groundnut complementary foods fortified pre‐fermentation with processed foods rich in calcium,iron, zinc and provitamin A

BACKGROUND: Maize–bambara groundnut complementary foods are deficient in calcium, iron, zinc and vitamin A. Food‐to‐food fortification could be cheaper, safer and more easily adopted by local communities compared to the use of chemically pure compounds and vitamins to enrich such foods. RESULTS: Maize–bambara groundnut complementary foods fortified for iron, zinc, calcium and vitamin A by blending with a multi‐mix (1.41:1:2.25, w/w) of processed roselle calyces, cattle bones, and red palm oil in a 1:2.1 (w/w) ratio showed significant increases in calcium, iron, zinc and vitamin A contents of 3.26–4.225, 0.083–0.134 and 0.015–0.017 g kg^?1 and 4855.3–7493.7 µgRE kg^?1, respectively. CONCLUSION: The maize–bambara groundnut foods had calcium, iron, zinc and vitamin A contents that satisfy the proposed nutrient requirements for infants. Only the maize–bambara groundnut and maize–bambara groundnut malt fermented by backslopping [(MB)_b and (MB_m)_b] containing red palm oil emulsified with Brachystegia eurycoma had calcium contents significantly (P < 0.05) higher than Nutrend, a complementary food produced by Nestle (Nigeria) PLC. These products are from raw materials produced in commercial quantities by rural farmers using household level technologies which the rural and urban poor can more easily access in order to reduce micronutrient malnutrition. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

EFFECT OF PACKAGING MATERIALS ON THE QUALITY OF IRON-FORTIFIED WHOLEMEAL FLOUR DURING STORAGE

ABSTRACT

The effect of packaging materials on the physicochemical and rheological characteristics of iron‐fortified wholemeal flour (WMF) during storage was determined. WMF was fortified with three fortificants, namely ferrous sulfate (30 ppm), ferrous sulfate + ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) (20 + 20 ppm) and elemental iron (60 ppm). Each flour was also fortified with 1.5 ppm folic acid. Moisture, flour acidity and peroxide value increased during storage, while protein and fat contents decreased. Highest conversion of Fe²⁺ into Fe³⁺was observed in flour fortified with ferrous sulfate (2.72%), followed by that fortified with ferrous sulfate + EDTA (1.49%) and elemental iron (1.06%). Water absorption and dough viscosity of iron‐fortified flours increased during storage. The flour containing ferrous sulfate was most acceptable regarding sensory characteristics, followed by samples containing ferrous sulfate + EDTA. Fortified flours were more stable during storage than unfortified. Addition of EDTA increased the stability of flours and fortificants. The fortified flours stored in polypropylene bags proved more stable than those stored in the tin boxes.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The main role of packaging is to protect the product during handling, distribution and storage against environmental and mechanical hazards. The success of a fortification program depends on the stability of micronutrients and food to which these are added. Chemical changes during storage badly affect chapatti making and sensory properties. Exposure of the fortificant to any factor including heat, moisture, air or light, and acid or alkaline environments during processing, packaging, distribution, or storage affects its stability. Flour containing elemental iron and ferrous sulfate with EDTA remained stable up to 42 days. The unfortified flour and flour containing ferrous sulfate remained stable for 21 days in tin boxes and 28 days in the polypropylene bags. Wheat flour milling industry would be benefited from this research if government is keen to launch iron fortification program in the country to curb iron deficiency anemia among population.

     

Thermal Stability of Folic Acid and 5-Methyltetrahydrofolic Acid in Liquid Model Food Systems

The effects of temperature, iron and ascorbate fortification, and oxygen concentration on the stabilities of folic acid (FA) and 5- methyltetrahydrofolic acid (5-CH₃-THF) were examined in liquid model food systems. Small retort pouches were used as reaction vessels and the model systems were processed at 100°C, 120°C, and 140°C. A cation-exchange procedure was devised to provide sample extract purification before quantitation using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). FA and S-CH₃-THF were found to be very stable under these conditions. Lactose, protein, iron and ascorbate were all found to be capable of reducing the oxygen partial pressure within the model systems, thereby enhancing the stability of FA and 5-CH₃-THF. FA and 5-CH₃-THF degradation was not zero or first order but possibly second order as a result of limiting oxygen concentrations.     

Micronutrient deficiencies in Switzerland: causes and consequences

In Western countries marginal deficiencies of micronutrients are still observed. Risk groups can be defined with data from groups (food balance sheets) and individuals. In Switzerland a comprehensive dietary survey is still lacking.Based on the results of food balance sheets the vitamin recommendations with the exception of folate, vitamin D and pantothenic acid seem to be met. But data from individuals reveal that in many subgroups of the Swiss population marginal deficiencies of the vitamins B₁, B₂, and B₆ are present. For the primary prevention of neural tube defects the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health recommends that women capable of becoming pregnant consume 400 μg of folic acid daily from supplements. To improve the limited compliance with this recommendation a new strategy is now being evaluated (education program, fortification of a staple food, fortification of several foodstuffs with folic acid). Due to the fact that the concentration of iodine in the fortified salt was increased several times in the last decades and due to the import of wheat rich in selenium from Northern America, at present requirements of iodine and selenium are met. Calcium and iron requirements on the other hand are insufficiently met by women.Based on the scientific literature and Swiss surveys on consumer knowledge and attitudes about diet, other risk groups for vitamin and mineral deficiencies are expected. People with a low intake of calories and/or with high requirements of micronutrients as well as people with special food habits or inadequate food choice and/or handling are especially at risk. Governmental and non-governmental efforts are made to monitor and improve the micronutrient status of the Swiss population.     

Key properties of iodine‐, iron‐ and zinc‐ fortified fish cracker: effects of ambient shelf storage on iodine retention and quality indicators

Multi‐micronutrient (MN)‐fortified fish cracker could be used as a means to improve iodine, iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) status. We evaluated iodine stability as well as the quality and sensory properties of MN‐fortified fish cracker, at the fortification levels of 5.3 mg per 100 g for Fe and Zn and 260 μg per 100 g for iodine in the dough. On average, the overall retention of iodine after processing and storage for 4 months was ~65%. Fortification with KIO₃ + ZnO, or KIO₃ + ZnO + ferrous fumarate, significantly increased the loss of iodine during processing. The Fe compounds tended to promote iodine instability during storage and contributed to thiobarbituric reactive substances. Fortification did not affect linear expansion of the cracker. Triple‐fortified fish cracker with KIO₃, ferric pyrophosphate and ZnO exhibited both high iodine retention (92.7% for steaming + drying and 72.7% for storage) in the tropical conditions (30 ± 1 °C, 80 ± 5% R.H.) and achieved overall desirable sensory scores. Thus, such fortification of fish cracker might successfully supplement iodine, zinc and iron, while at the same time contributing to the palatability of cracker.     

Whole-body propionate and glucose metabolism of multiparous dairy cows receiving folic acid and vitamin B12 supplements

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of supplementation of folic acid and vitamin B₁₂ on glucose and propionate metabolism. Twenty-four multiparous cows were assigned according to a complete block design in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement to one of the following treatments: (1) saline 0.9% NaCl, (2) 320 mg of folic acid, (3) 10 mg of vitamin B₁₂, or (4) 320 mg of folic acid and 10 mg of vitamin B₁₂. Intramuscular injections were given weekly from 3 wk before the expected calving date until 9 wk postpartum. At 63 d in milk, d-[6,6-²H₂]-glucose (16.5 mmol/h; jugular vein) and [1-¹³C]-sodium propionate (13.9 mmol/h; ruminal vein) were simultaneously infused for 4 h; blood samples were collected from 2 to 4 h of the infusion period. Liver biopsies were carried out the following day. Supplements of folic acid and vitamin B₁₂ respectively increased folate and vitamin B₁₂ concentrations, both in milk and liver. Although dry matter intake was unaffected by treatments, milk and milk lactose yields tended to be lower by 5.0 and by 0.25 kg/d, respectively, for cows receiving the folic acid supplement. Plasma β-hydroxybutyrate concentration with the folic acid supplement followed the same tendency. Hepatic gene expression of methylmalonyl-CoA mutase and S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase was higher for cows receiving the combined folic acid and vitamin B₁₂ supplement compared with cows receiving only the supplement of folic acid, whereas no treatment effect was noted for cows not receiving the folic acid supplement. Whole-body glucose rate of appearance and the proportion of whole-body glucose rate of appearance secreted in milk lactose decreased by 229 g/d and 5%, respectively, for animals receiving the folic acid supplement, concomitant with the lower milk lactose synthesis in these cows, indicating that supplementary folic acid may alter energy partitioning in cows. The absence of treatment effect on plasma concentrations of methylmalonic acid as well as on the proportion of glucose synthesized from propionate, averaging 60%, supports the fact that vitamin B₁₂ supply was sufficient in control cows in the current study. Our results suggest that the folic acid supplement reduced glucose-derived lactose synthesis by redirecting glucose for other metabolic activity in the mammary gland or in other tissues.     

Stabilization of Vitamin A in a Synthetic Rice Premix

Vitamin A (VA) fortification of rice for developing countries has been attempted by formulating a synthetic rice grain containing VA (called Ultrarice^R) to be used as a premix with ordinary rice. VA was stabilized with a combination of tocopherol, ascorbic acid and saturated lipids in the formulation. Washing stability of VA was 100%. Cooking stability was greater than 80% retention of VA. ΔH? of VA degradation ranged from 4 to 34 kcal/mole depending on Aw and formulation. Entropies ranged from 11 to ?79 cal/mol-deg. ΔH? was unchanged averaging 29 kcal/mol. The best t_1/2 s for VA were >1 year. Successful stabilization of VA has enabled this premix to be used in clinical and pilot field fortification studies in the Philippines.     

Effect of controlled atmospheres and shelf life period on concentrations of volatile substances released by ‘Pink Lady®’ apples and on consumer acceptance

BACKGROUND: ‘Pink Lady^®’ (Malus × domestica Borkh.) apples were harvested at commercial maturity and stored at 1 °C under either air or controlled atmosphere (CA) conditions (2.5 kPa O₂: 3 kPa CO₂ and 1 kPa O₂: 2 kPa CO₂) for 15 or 28 weeks. Standard quality parameters, consumer acceptance and volatile compound emission were evaluated after cold storage plus shelf life period at 20 °C. RESULTS: A shelf life period of 17 days after long‐term storage in controlled atmosphere allowed the regeneration of the characteristic esters associated to the aroma of this variety. Sixty‐five per cent of consumers preferred apples with higher emissions of aroma‐active volatile compounds, despite the fact that these apples displayed lower values for standard quality attributes. The most accepted samples corresponded to fruit stored in air for 15 weeks regardless of post‐storage period, in air for 28 weeks plus 1 day at 20 °C, and in 2.5 kPa O₂: 3 kPa CO₂ for 15 weeks plus 7 days at 20 °C. CONCLUSIONS: Concentrations of specific aroma volatile compounds are suggested to be more important than total aroma emission for consumer acceptance of ‘Pink Lady^®’ apples. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Proposed mandatory fortification of the UK diet with folic acid: have potential risks been underestimated?

This article discusses the recent consultation by the UK Department of Health and Food Standards Agency on the risk-benefit of a whole population strategy for increased intake of folic acid via the fortification of flour. The potential benefit of folic acid in relation to decreased incidence of Neural Tube Defects in the newly born is contrasted to the potential risk of increasing permanent neuropathy (nerve damage) in those suffering from vitamin B₁₂ deficiency. Questions are also raised with regard to the potential risk of folic acid addition in the context of pre-existing malignant neoplasms, and the incidence of dichorionic twin births.     

Dual Fortification of Salt with Iodine and Encapsulated Iron Compounds: Stability and Acceptability Testing in Morocco and Côte d'Ivoire

ABSTRACT: The stability of local salt dual fortified with iodine and 19 iron compounds (encapsulated compared to nonencapsulated sulfate, fumarate, pyrophosphate, and elemental iron) was tested in Morocco and Côte d'Ivoire. Color and iodine content were measured after storage for 1, 2, 4, and 6 mo. Color acceptability was judged by standardized interviews. For most compounds, encapsulation did not protect against adverse sensory changes and iodine losses. However, 2 forms of ferric pyrophosphate, 1 small particle size (approximately 2.5 μm) and 1 micronized (approximately 0.5 μm), performed well and be useful in salt fortification. Improvements in current encapsulation techniques are needed to allow encapsulated iron to be used in salt fortification.     

Antioxidant properties and shelf‐life extension of fresh‐cut tomatoes stored at different temperatures

BACKGROUND: The feasibility of using modified atmosphere packaging (5 kPa O₂ + 5 kPa CO₂) to maintain the antioxidant properties of fresh‐cut tomatoes during shelf‐life was assessed through storage at different temperatures (5, 10, 15 and 20 °C). Health‐related compounds, antioxidant capacity, microbiological counts, physicochemical parameters and in‐package atmosphere of tomato slices were determined. RESULTS: Initial lycopene, vitamin C and phenolic contents and physicochemical parameters of tomato slices were well maintained for 14 days at 5 °C. Lycopene and total phenolic contents were enhanced over time in tomato slices stored at 15 and 20 °C. However, this increase in antioxidant compounds of fresh‐cut tomatoes during storage may be associated with excessive amounts of CO₂ (R² = 0.5679–0.7328) in the packages due to microbial growth. Although keeping tomato slices at temperatures above 10 °C increased their antioxidant content, the shelf‐life of the product was reduced by up 4 days. CONCLUSIONS: A storage temperature of 5 °C is appropriate for maintaining the microbiological shelf‐life of fresh‐cut tomatoes for up to 14 days and also allows the antioxidant properties of tomato slices to be retained over this period, thus reducing wounding stress and deteriorative changes. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

RETENTION OF IODINE IN FORTIFIED PARBOILED RICE AND ITS PASTING CHARACTERISTICS DURING STORAGE

Iodine fortification, as potassium iodide (KI) or potassium iodate (KIO₃), in parboiled milled rice was investigated. The fortified parboiled milled rice (9–10% moisture content) contained 11.6 × 10^?2 mol KI per 100‐g salt or 9 × 10^?2 mol KIO₃ per 100‐g salt. The iodine‐fortified parboiled milled rice after dialysis retained 80.50–84.87% iodine, while the milled rice retained 97–100% iodine in the samples. Test on in vitro starch digestion showed that most iodine was released within 15 min of starch digestion. The iodine‐fortified and nonfortified parboiled milled rice showed significant higher pasting temperature, peak time and setback viscosity than normal milled rice. After storage for 5 months, iodine content in fortified parboiled milled rice decreased significantly (P ≤ 0.01), while iodine content in milled rice did not change during storage. For the rice stored at ambient temperature, the rapid visco‐analyzer amylograph viscosity (peak viscosity, trough viscosity and final viscosity) increased during the first 2 months and decreased during storage. Iodine did not affect these attributes of parboiled milled rice.     

Viability of Lactobacillus acidophilus in rice bran‐enriched stirred yoghurt and the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of product during refrigerated storage

This study was aimed at investigating the fortification of probiotic yoghurt with rice bran to increase nutritional properties of the product. The different levels of rice bran (0.3%, 0.6%, 0.9% and 1.2%) were incorporated into milk. The yoghurt samples were produced after pasteurisation, addition of starter culture and 1% Lactobacillus acidophilus suspension (6 × 10⁸ CFU mL^?1) and incubation. During sample storage in refrigerator, the viability of L. acidophilus, viscosity and physicochemical and sensory properties of product were investigated. Rice bran significantly increased the viability of L. acidophilus (P < 0.05). In addition, all probiotic yoghurts incorporating rice bran indicated higher viscosity and acidity and lower pH and syneresis compared to plain yoghurts. Furthermore, increments in rice bran incorporation levels resulted in a reduction in consumers' sample preferences. In general, the addition of rice bran at a suitable level could increase L. acidophilus viability and improve quality attributes of yoghurt.