Zinc Fortification Research Articles

Influence of Zinc Fortification on Yields and Quality of Fodder Maize

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of fortification of fodder maize var. African Tall with micronutrient zinc through ZnSO4 fertilizer application. The study involved fortification at different doses through soil application and foliar sprays at different stages of crop. Green fodder yields were highest at 50 kg ZnSO4 ha-1. Zinc content increased with increasing crop growth from knee high (18.9 mg kg-1) to fodder harvest (37.9 mg kg-1) with highest concentration at soil application of 50 ZnSO4 ha-1. Zinc fortification of 23% was observed when 50 kg of ZnSO4 was added through soil application while soil application of 25 kg ZnSO4 ha-1 along with two foliar sprays at knee high and tasseling showed on par yields. Foliar sprays complemented soil application but foliar application alone excluding soil application failed to show impact on yields. No significant effect of zinc was observed on quality parameters viz., crude protein, acid detergent fiber or neutral detergent fiber. The crude protein content though did not vary significantly, highest was observed when 50 kg ZnSO4 was applied as soil application. Zinc application significantly influenced Neutral detergent fiber at fodder harvest, on the contrary, acid detergent fiber was not effected at any stage of crop.

Environmental and Health Implications of the Correlation Between Arsenic and Zinc Levels in Rice from an Arsenic-Rich Zone in Cambodia.

Background.In parts of Cambodia, irrigation of rice with groundwater results in arsenic accumulation in soils and rice, leading to health concerns associated with rice consumption. In Bangladesh and China, low zinc levels in rice have been found in regions where arsenic levels in rice are high. Furthermore, there have been claims that zinc deficiency is responsible for stunting of children in Cambodia. There are limited data on zinc in Cambodian rice, but in rural Asia, rice is the major source of zinc.Objectives.To provide a preliminary evaluation of the zinc content in rice grain in Preak Russey, an area with elevated levels of arsenic. The importance of zinc in rice for infants was also assessed.Methods.Rice cultivation was evaluated in sixty farms along the Mekong River in Cambodia. Analyses for metals, total arsenic, and arsenic species in the water and rice were conducted at the University of Ottawa, Canada by inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry. Analysis of total zinc and arsenic in soils were analyzed in Phnom Penh using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF). Total zinc in rice was also measured by XRF analysis.Results.Rice in the Preak Russey area contained zinc with ½ to ¼ of the 1987 Codex standard for rice in Infant Formula. Moreover, our average zinc concentration in rice samples was less than a third that recommended for zinc fortification in rice by the United Nations World Food Programme. There was a significant (α=0.05) negative correlation between the arsenic and zinc content of rice with the lowest zinc levels occurring near the irrigation wells, the source of arsenic. There was a significantly higher content of zinc in rice from farms that fertilized with cow manure.Conclusions.Handheld XRF spectrometers are useful tools for detection of zinc levels in rice. The potential for zinc deficiency in farmers in areas of Cambodia with arsenic toxicity is high.Competing Interests.The authors declare no competing financial interests.

Sensory Evaluation of Calcium, Iron and Zinc Fortified Whole Wheat Flour Chapati

Nutrition play important role in prevention of disease and promote good health if taken with clear understanding of importance of certain foods and assist in prevention of disease. Calcium is very important for bone and teeth health. Similarly zinc is needed for the brain modulation, gene expression DNA, RNA metabolism. Calcium decreases in young adult as they age. When calcium is not enough in the diet the body take calcium from the bone and lead to bone weakness. Zinc helps in wound healing and effect on learning and memory and regulates immune function. Zinc is used to prevent inflammation in lining of digestive tract. Iron is very important for healthy pregnancy, increased energy and better athletic performance. Iron treats anemia and used for brain function and helps in immune boasting, synthesis of neurotransmitters. So calcium carbonate and ferrous sulphate also the sulphate of zinc have already been used as iron zinc and calcium fortification. Two chapati will be prepared one fortified with 114mg Calcium carbonate with 48g of wheat flour and the other chapatti co-fortified with 1.5mg iron and 1.5mg zinc with 48g flours must be fortified manually. Then finally the proximate analysis and sensory evaluation will be performed on the products. In the end the study will be subjected to statistical design to interpret the result.

Zinc and iron fortification in cassava.

Cassava engineered to retain more iron and zinc faces challenges before moving into fields and onto forks.

Formulation of Flakes Bran Flour Substitution with Fortified Zinc for Fertile-Age Women

<p>There are about 32.9% Indonesian women susceptive to obesity and free radical exposure. Free radicals are resistible to Zn-cofactors and a-tocopherols. The aims of this study was to make flakes formulations with zinc fortification, then analyze the physical and chemical character of flakes (hardness and color degree), and analyze carbohydrate, protein, fat, zinc, and α-tocopherol. The experimental design used for this study was a complete randomized design. The results showed the best formulas that substitution by bran was 25 % and fortified seng was 118,9 mg. The chemical properties of the best formulas should has increased the levels of protein, fat, and Zinc. One serving (55g) of flakes has 208,4 Kal; 3,38 g protein; 0,27 g fat; 48,12 g carbohydrate ; 1,89 mg seng; and 3,53mg α-tocopherol.</p>

Zinc fortification: Effect of polishing on parboiled and unparboiled rice

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is one of the causes of anemic disease and mortality in developing countries where rice is the staple food. Such deficiency is enhanced with over polishing of rice grains. Grain Zn contents can be improved through fortification. Agronomic fortification through the use of Wuxal Zn and Antracol (Zn containing fungicide) were tested with BRRI dhan58 and BRRI dhan74 (Zn enriched variety) and compared with no spraying conditions on grain Zn contentin two locations of Bangladesh during 2016-17. Grain yield increased with Zn spraying by about 2–10% for BRRI dhan58 and about 6–18% for BRRI dhan74 compared to control. Grain Zn content in brown rice of BRRI dhan58 under control condition was about 17 mg kg−1 that increased to about 19 mg kg−1 through Zn spraying. Similarly, Zn content of BRRI dhan74 varied from 22.02 to 23.78 mg kg-1 under control condition, which increased to 24.25–25.79 mg kg−1 after Zn spraying. Grain non-parboiled polishing at 9–10% reduced Zn content by about 2.6–5.84 mg kg−1 irrespective of varieties and locations. Zinc enrichment through agronomic practices and awareness buildup on reduced polishing would be the important options for improving rice grain nutritional quality in Bangladesh.

Fortified Rice Starches: The Role of Hydrothermal Treatments in Zinc Entrapment

This study investigates the potential for zinc fortification of native, heat‐moisture treatment (HMT), and annealing (ANN), modified rice starches, using neutral extracted rice starch as precursor. The zinc content, micrographs, X‐ray crystallinity, pasting, and thermal properties are evaluated. The fortified rice starch increases crystallinity, thermal stability, and gelatinization enthalpy, as well as lowers peak viscosity and gelatinization temperature when compared to its precursor (native rice starch). The ANN fortified starch shows decreased crystallinity, thermal stability, gelatinization temperature, and enthalpy, while the HMT starch has increased crystallinity and final viscosity. The results indicate that the native rice starch has higher zinc entrapment potential (1359 mg Kg−1) than the physically modified starches (<100 mg Kg−1); this is attributed to the protein spread over the surface of the granules and the pre‐gelatinization of the surface of the starches after modification, which serve as a barrier to zinc cations.

Projected effectiveness of mandatory industrial fortification of wheat flour, milk, and edible oil with multiple micronutrients among Mongolian adults.

Industrial fortification of wheat flour is a potentially effective strategy for addressing micronutrient deficiencies in Mongolia, given its ubiquitous consumption and centralized production. However, Mongolia has not mandated fortification of any foods except for salt with iodine. This study modeled the effectiveness and safety of mandatory industrial fortification of wheat flour alone and in combination with edible oil and milk in reducing the prevalence of multiple micronutrient intake deficiencies among healthy non-pregnant adults in Mongolia. Six days of diet records (3 summer, 3 winter) were collected from 320 urban and rural adults across the country and analyzed for food and nutrient consumption using a purpose-built food composition table, and the Intake Monitoring and Planning Program (IMAPP) was used to project the effects of fortification on summer and winter bioavailable micronutrient intake and intake deficiency under different fortification guidelines within population subgroups defined by urban or rural locality and sex. Projections showed that flour fortification would be effective in reducing intake deficiencies of thiamin and folate, while marginal benefits of fortification with iron and riboflavin would be smaller given these nutrients’ higher baseline consumption, and fortification with zinc, niacin, and vitamin B12 may be unnecessary. Fortification of flour, oil, and milk with vitamins A, D, and E at levels suggested by international guidelines would substantially reduce vitamin A intake deficiency and would increase vitamin D intake considerably, with the greatest benefits elicited by flour fortification and smaller benefits by additionally fortifying oil and milk. These results support mandatory industrial fortification of wheat flour, edible oil, and milk with iron, thiamin, riboflavin, folate, and vitamins A, D, and E in Mongolia. Considerations will be necessary to ensure the fortification of these nutrients is also effective for children, for whom the potential benefit of zinc, niacin, and vitamin B12 fortification should be assessed.

Fermented Dairy Products as Zinc Fortification Vehicle

Fermented Dairy Products as Zinc Fortification Vehicle

Fortification of Locally Developed Single Super Phosphate With Zinc Sulphate for Enhanced Zinc Nutrition to Maize Crop Under Calcareous Soil Conditions

A study was carried out in calcareous soil (low in ABDTPA extractable phosphorus and zinc) to evaluate the effect of zinc fortified locally developed single super phosphate fertilizers on maize grown in summer 2016. Zinc fortified fertilizers were prepared in laboratory of soil science department, University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan. Treatments consisted of mixing two levels of zinc 5 and 10 kg ha-1 with SSP during its formulation by three methods of fortification coating, blending and reaction along with separate application and no application of zinc or a control treatment. Results showed the two levels of zinc mixed by different methods with SSP significantly influenced various appraised parameters of maize crop variety. With varying zinc level and fortification methods thousand grain weights, biomass yield and zinc concentration in leaves and grain were influenced significantly. Zinc at the rate of 10 kg ha-1 fortified with SSP through coating method produced maximum yield and yield components. Zn concentrations were higher in grains than leaves. It was concluded form the study that zinc (at the rate of 10 kg ha-1) mixed with phosphate fertilizer by coating produced highest maize grain yield and this method can be recommended for calcareous soil conditions of Peshawar.

Effect of cholesterol‐reduced and zinc fortification treatments on physicochemical, functional, textural, microstructural and sensory properties of soft cheese

The aim of this study was to produce and evaluate a soft cheese fortified with zinc and with cholesterol‐reduced content. To meet this objective, a cream base was prepared, from which cholesterol was removed using β‐cyclodextrin as extracting agent. Then, cholesterol‐reduced content cheese with and without the addition of zinc salts (ZnSO4 or ZnCl2) was produced. Additionally, a cheese without any treatment was prepared. Furthermore, physicochemical, textural, functional, microstructural and sensory determinations were performed. As a result, 87–94% zinc‐fortified and 93% cholesterol‐reduced cheese samples were obtained, which had similar sensorial characteristics to the cheese without treatment.

Expression of Zinc Transporter Genes in Rice as Influenced by Zinc-Solubilizing Enterobacter cloacae Strain ZSB14.

Zinc (Zn) deficiency in major food crops has been considered as an important factor affecting the crop production and subsequently the human health. Rice (Oryza sativa) is sensitive to Zn deficiency and thereby causes malnutrition to most of the rice-eating Asian populations. Application of zinc solubilizing bacteria (ZSB) could be a sustainable agronomic approach to increase the soil available Zn which can mitigate the yield loss and consequently the nutritional quality of rice. Understanding the molecular interactions between rice and unexplored ZSB is useful for overcoming Zn deficiency problems. In the present study, the role of zinc solubilizing bacterial strain Enterobacter cloacae strain ZSB14 on regulation of Zn-regulated transporters and iron (Fe)-regulated transporter-like protein (ZIP) genes in rice under iron sufficient and deficient conditions was assessed by quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR. The expression patterns of OsZIP1, OsZIP4, and OsZIP5 in root and shoot of rice were altered due to the Zn availability as dictated by Zn sources and ZSB inoculation. Fe sufficiency significantly reduced the root and shoot OsZIP1 expression, but not the OsZIP4 and OsZIP5 levels. Zinc oxide in the growth medium up-regulated all the assessed ZIP genes in root and shoot of rice seedlings. When ZSB was inoculated to rice seedlings grown with insoluble zinc oxide in the growth medium, the expression of root and shoot OsZIP1, OsZIP4, and OsZIP5 was reduced. In the absence of zinc oxide, ZSB inoculation up-regulated OsZIP1 and OsZIP5 expressions. Zinc nutrition provided to the rice seedling through ZSB-bound zinc oxide solubilization was comparable to the soluble zinc sulfate application which was evident through the ZIP genes’ expression and the Zn accumulation in root and shoot of rice seedlings. These results demonstrate that ZSB could play a crucial role in zinc fertilization and fortification of rice.

Moisture management and zinc fortification impacts on economics, quality and nutrient uptake of pearlmillet (Pennisetum glaucum) under rainfed conditions

A field study was conducted during kharif seasons of 2012 and 2013 at the research farm of ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi to find out the effect of moisture management and zinc fortification on economics, quality and nutrient uptake of pearlmillet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) in pearlmillet-chickpea cropping system under rainfed conditions. Sowing of pearlmillet on flat bed with 5.0 tonnes/ha crop residue fetched significantly higher net returns of ` 25408/ha with production efficiency of ` 279.2/ha/day and protein content in grain during first year and B:C ratio during both the years as compared to flat bed without crop residue. However, in terms of net returns (` 30578/ha), production efficiency (` 397.1/ha/day) and protein content during second year and zinc content in both grain and stover and total uptake of N, P, K, Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu during both the years of study, flat bed with 5.0 tonnes/ha crop residue proved to be significantly superior over flat bed without crop residue as well as flat bed with 2.5 tonnes/ha crop residue and performed in statistically similar way to narrow bed and furrow with 2.5 tonnes/ha crop residue. Under zinc fortification treatments direct application of 2.5 and 5.0 kg Zn/ha being at par with each other and recorded significantly higher net returns, B:C ratio, production efficiency, protein content and total uptake of P, K and Cu during both the years and total uptake of Fe and Mn during second year over control. Content of Zn in both grain and stover and total uptake of N and Zn during both the years of study were improved significantly with increasing levels of zinc fortification up to 5.0 kg Zn/ha. Residual effect of zinc fortification was observed during second and showed significant response up to 5.0 kg Zn/ha on net returns, B:C ratio, production efficiency, Zn content in both grain and stover and total uptake of N, K and Zn and up to 2.5 kg Zn/ha on protein content and total uptake of P, Fe, Mn and Cu by pearlmillet.

Moisture Conservation and Zinc Fertilization Impacts on System Performance and Soil Fertility Status of Pearlmillet-Chickpea Cropping System under Limited Moisture Conditions

The present study was conducted at the research farm of IARI, New Delhi for two consecutive years from 2012–13 to 2013–14 to find out the impact of moisture conservation and zinc fortification on system performance and soil fertility status of pearlmillet-chickpea cropping system under limited moisture conditions. Planting of pearlmillet and chickpea under the flat bed with 5.0 t/ha crop residue recorded significantly higher system productivity in terms of pearlmillet grain equivalent yield (8.98 t/ha), moisture use efficiency (16.13 kg/ha-mm) and total uptake of nutrients (N, P, K, Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu) over flat bed without crop residue and flat bed with 2.5 t/ha crop residue. However, the significantly higher system net returns of 83, 367/ha along with B: C ratio of 1.71 was observed under narrow bed and furrow with 2.5 t/ha crop residue. Residue applied, moisture conservation practices also showed remarkable improvement in soil fertility status at the end of cropping seasons as compared to without residue applied treatment. Under zinc fertilization treatments, application of 5.0 kg Zn/ha to pearlmillet recorded significantly higher system productivity, profitability, moisture use efficiency and total uptake of N, K and Zn over the lower levels. However, total uptake of P, Fe, Mn and Cu were increased significantly only up to 2.5 kg Zn/ha. Fertilization of chickpea with 5.0 kg Zn/ha also registered significantly higher system productivity, profitability, moisture use efficiency and total uptake of nutrients (except P) as compared to lower levels. Zinc fertilization treatments also brought significant improvement in organic carbon, available N, K and DTPA extractable Zn content in soil at the end of the experiment.

Zinc Absorption by Adults Is Similar from Intrinsically Labeled Zinc-Biofortified Rice and from Rice Fortified with Labeled Zinc Sulfate

Biofortification of staple food crops is a promising strategy to combat zinc deficiency, and it is of particular interest for rice and crops that are not consumed as flours and therefore not suitable for postharvest fortification. Because zinc absorption is decreased by phytic acid (PA) and perhaps other dietary components, it is important to measure the absorption of zinc from a biofortified crop before determining its efficacy. In this study, we compared the zinc absorption from zinc-biofortified rice (hydroponically enriched with (70)Zn) with that from a control rice of the same variety fortified with (70)ZnSO4 at point of use to reach the same total zinc content of 1.1 mg/meal. Both rice meals had a PA:Zn molar ratio of 12. Fractional absorption of zinc (FAZ) was measured with the use of the double-isotope tracer ratio method in 16 apparently healthy adults [18-45 y old; BMI (in kg/m(2)) 19-25] who consumed 2 single meals at 4-wk intervals in random order in a crossover design. The FAZ from the biofortified rice (mean ± SD: 25.1 ± 8.7%) did not differ significantly from that of the point-of-use fortified rice (mean ± SD: 20.8 ± 7.1%) (P = 0.08). These results suggest that the native zinc accumulated in the biofortified rice was readily released from the rice matrix and that its absorption by adults was influenced by PA and other food components in a similar way to the inorganic zinc compound added to the rice at point of use. Moreover, rice biofortification is likely to be as good as postharvest zinc fortification as an intervention strategy to combat zinc deficiency. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01633450.

Assessment of zinc Fortification of a Household-Based Water Filtration Device: Zn Absorption Using Stable Isotopes and Efficacy in a Controlled Trial in Beninese School Children

Assessment of zinc Fortification of a Household-Based Water Filtration Device: Zn Absorption Using Stable Isotopes and Efficacy in a Controlled Trial in Beninese School Children

Isolation and characterization of zinc-chelating peptides from wheat germ protein hydrolysates

The enzymatic hydrolysis of defatted wheat germ protein was carried out by using Alcalase, Flavourzyme and papain. The hydrolysates prepared by Alcalase under optimal conditions for 200 min had the highest degree of hydrolysis (DH) of 15.61 ± 0.09% and metal chelating ability of 69.62 ± 0.96%. The zinc-chelating peptides were isolated and purified from Alcalase hydrolysates using immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography (IMAC-Zn2+) and macroporous adsorption resin DA 201-C. Two major zinc-chelating peptides identified by MALDI TOF/TOF were Asn-Ala-Pro-Leu-Pro-Pro-Pro-Leu-Lys-His (NAPLPPPLKH) and His-Asn-Ala-Pro-Asn-Pro-Gly-Leu-Pro-Try-Ala-Ala (HNAPNPGLPYAA). HNAPNPGLPYAA had a high zinc chelating capacity of 91.67 ± 0.81% and possessed higher zinc bioavailability than ZnSO4 in Caco-2 cells (P<0.05). The results of this study suggest that wheat germ zinc-chelating peptides might be useful in zinc fortification of foods for increasing mineral bioavailability.

English

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) is an important crop in rainfed conditions and marginal land areas; it is grown under improper crop establishment and imbalanced fertilization. Proper moisture management with zinc fortification has potential to improve productivity, solve zinc malnutrition problem, maintain soil health and economic sustainability. The present study was conducted during 2012 and 2013 at IARI, New Delhi to find out the effect of moisture management and zinc fortification on soil microbial properties, growth and productivity of pearl millet under rainfed conditions. During both years, moisture management and zinc fortification treatments resulted in considerable improvement in soil microbial properties, growth and productivity of pearl millet. Flat bed with 5.0 t/ha crop residue recorded significantly higher dehydrogenase activity, microbial biomass carbon, plant height, dry matter accumulation and grain weight per ear head as compared to flat bed and flat bed with 2.5 t/ha crop residue. In terms of total number of tillers, number of ear heads and length of ear head flat bed with 2.5 and 5.0 t/ha crop residue and narrow bed and furrow with 2.5 t/ha crop residue remained statistically similar with each other. Significantly higher grain (2.52 and 2.72 t/ha), stover (8.21 and 8.65 t/ha) and biological yield (10.72 and 11.37 t/ha) were observed under flat bed with 5.0 t/ha crop residue during both years. Under zinc fortification treatments, application of 5.0 kg Zn/ha to pearl millet recorded significantly higher value of soil microbial properties over control and 2.5 kg Zn/ha. Application of 5.0 and 2.5 kg Zn/ha is at par with each other and proved significantly better over control in terms of growth parameters, yield attributes and yield of pearl millet. Residual effect of zinc fortification was also found to be significant in pearl millet. Soil microbial properties were improved significantly up to 5.0 kg Zn/ha. However, growth parameters and yield attributes were increased significantly only up to 2.5 kg Zn/ha. Application of 5.0 kg Zn/ha produced significantly higher grain (2.57 t/ha), stover (8.22 t/ha) and biological yield (10.78 t/ha) as compared to control. Final results revealed that pearl millet planting under flat bed with 5.0 t/ha crop residue or narrow bed and furrow with 2.5 t/ha crop residue and application of 2.5 kg Zn/ha to pearl millet or chickpea proved to be better. Key words: Flat bed, crop residue, narrow bed and furrow, dehydrogenase, microbial biomass carbon, moisture management,root length, root volume, grain yield, pearl millet, Zn.

Stunting Prevalence, Plasma Zinc Concentrations, and Dietary Zinc Intakes in a Nationally Representative Sample Suggest a High Risk of Zinc Deficiency among Women and Young Children in Cameroon1–3

Before initiating a mass zinc fortification program, this study assessed the prevalence of and risk factors for low zinc status among Cameroonian women and children. In a nationally representative survey, we randomly selected 30 clusters in each of 3 strata (North, South, and Yaoundé/Douala) and 10 households per cluster, each with a woman aged 15–49 y and a child aged 12–59 mo (n = 1002 households). Twenty-four-hour dietary recalls (with duplicates in a subset) and anthropometric measurements were conducted, and non-fasting blood was collected to measure plasma zinc concentration (PZC) and markers of inflammation. PZC was adjusted for methodologic factors (time of collection and processing, and presence of inflammation). The prevalence of stunting was 33% (32% South; 46% North; 13% Yaoundé/Douala). Among women, 82% had low adjusted PZC (<50 μg/dL for pregnant women; <66 μg/dL for others; 79% South, 89% North, 76% Yaoundé/Douala). Among children, 83% had low adjusted PZC (<65 μg/dL; 80% South, 92% North, 74% Yaoundé/Douala). Risk factors for low PZC among women and children and for low height-for-age Z-score among children were similar and included residence in the North region and rural areas and households with low socioeconomic status. Using estimated average requirement values from the International Zinc Nutrition Consultative Group (IZiNCG), 29 and 41% of women had inadequate zinc intakes, assuming moderate and low bioavailability, respectively, but only 8% of children had inadequate zinc intake. Depending on the estimated physiologic zinc requirement applied, 17% (IZiNCG) and 92% (Institute of Medicine) of women had inadequate absorbable zinc intakes. Total zinc intakes were greatest in the North region, possibly because of different dietary patterns in this area. Zinc deficiency is a public health problem among women and children in Cameroon, although PZC and dietary zinc yield different estimates of the prevalence of deficiency. Large-scale programs to improve zinc nutrition, including food fortification, are needed.

Bioavailability of iron, zinc, folic acid, and vitamin A from fortified maize

Several strategies appear suitable to improve iron and zinc bioavailability from fortified maize, and fortification per se will increase the intake of bioavailable iron and zinc. Corn masa flour or whole maize should be fortified with sodium iron ethylenediaminetetraacetate (NaFeEDTA), ferrous fumarate, or ferrous sulfate, and degermed corn flour should be fortified with ferrous sulfate or ferrous fumarate. The choice of zinc fortificant appears to have a limited impact on zinc bioavailability. Phytic acid is a major inhibitor of both iron and zinc absorption. Degermination at the mill will reduce phytic acid content, and degermed maize appears to be a suitable vehicle for iron and zinc fortification. Enzymatic phytate degradation may be a suitable home-based technique to enhance the bioavailability of iron and zinc from fortified maize. Bioavailability experiments with low phytic acid-containing maize varieties have suggested an improved zinc bioavailability compared to wild-type counterparts. The bioavailability of folic acid from maize porridge was reported to be slightly higher than from baked wheat bread. The bioavailability of vitamin A provided as encapsulated retinyl esters is generally high and is typically not strongly influenced by the food matrix, but has not been fully investigated in maize.