Iron Absorption From Iron Fortified Extruded Rice Co-fortified With Various Solubilizing Agents

Food fortification is regarded as a safe and cost-effective approach to counteract and prevent iron deficiency. Rice is a staple food for millions of people living in regions where iron-deficiency anaemia is a significant public health problem. Therefore, rice may be a promising fortification vehicle. Ferric pyrophosphate (FePP) is an acceptable iron compound for rice fortification, due to its white colour and low reactivity with the rice matrix. However, iron from FePP generally has a low bioavailability. To increase the low iron bioavailability of FePP in fortified rice, ligands acting as solubilizing agents have been suggested, such as citric acid/trisodium citrate (CA/TSC), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and sodium pyrophosphate (NaPP). It is however unclear to which extent CA/TSC would enhance iron bioavailability in presence of phytic acid, a common inhibitor of iron absorption found in whole grains and legumes. Zinc oxide reduces iron bioavailability from FePP with and without CA/TSC, in contrast to Zinc sulphate. It is however unclear if this decrease would be also expected in presence of EDTA as solubilizing agent. Further, NaPP has been suggested as a solubilizing agent, enhancing the bioavailability from FePP in bouillon cubes. This study aim to test its effect in rice. Meals containing a high (bean sauce) and low (mixed vegetable) phytic acid level sauce will be used to simulated varying dietary backgrounds, allowing to answer the question which solubilizing agent is viable in enhancing iron bioavailability.