Micro-Encapsulated Food Ingredient Delivers Recommended Iron Without Side Affects

Iron deficiency, also known as anemia, is a serious global health problem. To help solve it, food companies have fortified foods with iron, but the metallic or rancid taste and other adverse effects  – discolored teeth, heartburn, etc. – have led to consumer rejection. Now a Spanish biotech company has launched a food ingredient that provides the recommended daily amount of iron in a single dose by using a micro-encapsulation technology. AB-Fortis, from AB-Biotics, avoids the metallic taste and other classic side effects of iron fortification of foods. The product features a  calcium alginate matrix that holds and protects a salt of iron inside. This capsule is stable so it can be easily incorporated into food processing, according to the company.