Folic acid fortification of double fortified salt.

The addition of folic acid to Double Fortified Salt (with iron and iodine) aims to simultaneously ameliorate three major micronutrient deficiencies in vulnerable populations. To make Triple Fortified Salt, we added folic acid to the iodine solution (first method) and the iron premix (second method) that are used to fortify salt with iron and iodine. When added through the solution, sodium carbonate was needed to dissolve folic acid and to adjust pH.

Quadruple fortification of salt for the delivery of iron, iodine, folic acid, and vitamin B to vulnerable populations.

A process for simultaneous delivery of iron, iodine, folic acid, and vitamin B through salt as a potential and holistic approach to ameliorate anaemia and reduce maternal and infant mortality is presented. Two approaches for adding folic acid and B to salt during double fortification with iron and iodine were investigated. Attempts to add both micronutrients through the iodine spray solution were unsuccessful.

A spectrophotometric method for determining the amount of folic acid in fortified salt.

Analytical methods for quantifying and monitoring the degradation of micronutrients added to food are crucial to food fortification programs. In the case of folic acid in fortified salts, there are difficulties in developing an effective analytical method due to interference of salt in the standard HPLC methods, as salt precipitates in the HPLC column. To circumvent the problem, a spectrophotometric method was developed to quantify folic acid and monitor its degradation in salt.

Technology for Triple Fortification of Salt with Folic Acid, Iron, and Iodine.

As many of the maternal and child health complications result from folic acid, iron, and iodine deficiencies; it makes sense to combat these simultaneously. We have developed cost-effective technology to deliver these three micronutrients simultaneously through salt. Our goal was to retain at least 70% of the micronutrients during 6 months of storage.