Development and stability study of multiple-fortified Ultra RiceTM formulations containing iron, zinc, and B vitamins

Ultra Rice(TM), a micronutrient-fortified, manufactured rice product, holds great promise for alleviating micronutrient deficiencies, which are recognized as serious threats to the health, development, and productivity of millions of people worldwide. The goal of this program was to develop a feasible and stable Ultra Rice(TM) formulation multiple-fortified with iron, zinc and B vitamins. The interactions of the micronutrients with the matrix, and each other, were investigated, in an effort to minimize micronutrient loss, and sensory quality degradation. The technical feasibility of incorporating B vitamins, iron, and zinc into Ultra Rice(TM) has been demonstrated. The choice of iron compounds had the greatest effect on thiamin stability, oxidative rancidity, iron bioavailability, and colour of the final product. The optimal formulation balancing all requirements contained FeNaEDTA as the iron source and BHA/BHT and STPP as the antioxidants. The formulation retained essentially all vitamin B1 and zinc while maintaining essentially complete iron bioavailability after 20 weeks of storage.