Ferrous sulfate in food
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Ferrous Sulfate in Food: Bioavailability and Efficacy
Introduction to Ferrous Sulfate in Food Fortification
Ferrous sulfate is a commonly used iron fortificant in food products due to its high bioavailability and effectiveness in combating iron deficiency. This article synthesizes research findings on the bioavailability and efficacy of ferrous sulfate compared to other iron compounds in various food matrices.
Bioavailability of Ferrous Sulfate in Weaning Foods
Research conducted on preschoolers in Mexico demonstrated that ferrous sulfate has superior bioavailability compared to ferrous fumarate and reduced iron + Na(2)EDTA when used in a milk-based weaning food. The study found that iron absorption from ferrous sulfate was significantly higher (7.9%) than from ferrous fumarate (2.43%) and reduced iron + Na(2)EDTA (1.4%). This indicates that ferrous sulfate is more effective in meeting the daily iron requirements for young children.
Efficacy in Wheat-Based Snacks
A study involving Thai women with low iron stores compared the efficacy of wheat-based snacks fortified with ferrous sulfate, electrolytic iron, and hydrogen-reduced iron. The results showed that ferrous sulfate significantly improved iron status, with a higher increase in body iron stores compared to the other iron forms. The relative efficacy of electrolytic and hydrogen-reduced iron was 77% and 49%, respectively, compared to ferrous sulfate. This underscores the superior efficacy of ferrous sulfate in improving iron status.
Comparison with Ferrous Gluconate
In a study assessing the efficacy of ferrous sulfate and ferrous gluconate in a complementary baby food, both compounds were found to be effective in reducing iron deficiency in toddlers. However, ferrous sulfate showed a slightly higher increase in serum ferritin levels compared to ferrous gluconate. This suggests that while both compounds are effective, ferrous sulfate may offer a marginally better improvement in iron status.
Ferrous Fumarate vs. Ferrous Sulfate
Contrary to some earlier studies, recent research indicates that ferrous fumarate is as well absorbed as ferrous sulfate in non-anemic Mexican women and children. The study found no significant differences in iron absorption between the two compounds, suggesting that ferrous fumarate can be a viable alternative to ferrous sulfate for fortifying complementary foods. However, other studies have shown that ferrous fumarate may be less effective in iron-deficient children, highlighting the need for higher iron content in such cases.
Non-Water-Soluble Iron Compounds
A study on Bangladeshi children compared the efficacy of ferrous fumarate, ferric pyrophosphate, and ferrous sulfate in maintaining hemoglobin levels. The results indicated no significant differences among the three compounds, suggesting that non-water-soluble iron compounds can be as effective as ferrous sulfate in preventing iron deficiency.
Innovative Fortification Methods
Encapsulation of ferrous sulfate in solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) has been explored to improve its stability and sensory properties. This method showed high entrapment efficiency and good physicochemical properties, making it a promising approach for iron fortification in food products.
Ferrous Ammonium Phosphate as an Alternative
Ferrous ammonium phosphate (FAP) has been developed as a new iron fortificant for foods sensitive to color and flavor changes. Studies have shown that FAP has a relative bioavailability of 71% compared to ferrous sulfate, making it a viable alternative for certain food matrices .
Conclusion
Ferrous sulfate remains a highly effective iron fortificant due to its superior bioavailability and efficacy in various food products. While alternatives like ferrous fumarate and ferrous ammonium phosphate show promise, ferrous sulfate continues to be the gold standard for iron fortification, particularly in addressing iron deficiency in vulnerable populations. Further research and innovative fortification methods, such as encapsulation, may enhance the application and effectiveness of ferrous sulfate in food fortification programs.
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