Triple fortification of salt with iron, iodine and zinc oxide using extrusion

Abstract

Diets poor in essential vitamins and minerals, also known as micronutrients, are widespread worldwide. Food fortification is considered to be the most cost-effective approach to addressing micronutrient deficiencies in regions consuming poor diets. We have developed a cost‐effective technology to simultaneously deliver zinc, iron, and iodine through salt as a strategy to combat iron and zinc deficiencies. Two different approaches for adding zinc to the double fortified salt were investigated: spraying in solution, or incorporation into a solid premix. Zinc sulfate or zinc chloride was added to the iodate spray solution or zinc oxide was added into the iron premix used for making Double Fortified Salt. Of these two approaches, incorporating zinc into iron premix was superior, based on the stability of fortificants. For incorporating zinc into the iron premix, zinc oxide was either included in the extruded premix core or used as part of the color masking system with titanium dioxide (TiO2). The latter approach proved to be preferable as it resulted in higher iodine retention after one year of storage. This technology is a cost-effective public health measure for improving the health of populations with diets deficient in these critical micronutrients.