Iron source product in the form of capsules and process for their preparation

Abstract

It is provided an iron-fortified food stuff comprising an iron source product in form of solid capsules, wherein the capsules comprise a core comprising iron alginate, and an outer layer comprising calcium alginate. The capsules are suitable both for fortifying hydrated and dehydrated food stuff and are characterized by an excellent loading capacity, as well as having a good stability under standard local conditions of storage and use. The iron-fortified food stuff of the invention serves to prevent the occurrence of iron deficiency or to reduce an iron deficiency in a human.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Application No. 61 / 114,261, filed November 13, 2008, and European Patent Application EP08166052.4, which are incorporated herein by reference. field of invention [0002] The present invention relates to iron-fortified food products and their use for preventing the occurrence of iron deficiency or reducing iron deficiency in humans. Background technique [0003] Iron deficiency is one of the most frequent deficiency diseases occurring in most developing countries and is also the major deficiency disease in industrialized countries. Iron fortification of specific food products is one way to prevent iron deficiency from occurring. However, for fortified foods to be effective in reducing iron deficiency, the added iron must be fully bioavailable. [0004] A suitable iron fortification agent must meet a number of requirements. First, it must be harmless to the human body. Furthermore, it must be insoluble in water i...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Therefore, these particles can be incorporated into dehydrated foods such as wheat flour and other cereals, but they are not suitable for fortification of food products containing water such as yogurt or fruit juices

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