ABSTRACT
Objectives: Previous studies evaluating the ability of fortified rice to improve hemoglobin and ferritin concentrations have produced mixed results. The literature indicates that combining iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) can reduce the effects on iron status expected from iron supplementation alone. Our objective is to examine the relationship between the Fe/Zn molar ratio in fortified rice and improvements in hemoglobin and ferritin concentrations. Methods: Fe/Zn molar ratios of several fortified rice trials were examined in relation to changes in hemoglobin and serum ferritin concentration. The effect of exogenous zinc on iron solubilization of fortified rice was further evaluated using an in vitro assay to test fortified rice blends with known ratios of iron to zinc. Results: Although the fortified rice Fe/Zn ratios ranged from approximately 1 to 50, only in cases where the ratio exceeded 10 was a significant improvement in iron status (hemoglobin and/or ferritin) observed. The in vitro evaluation clearly associated exogenous zinc, in a dose-dependent manner, with inhibition of iron solubilization. Iron solubilized from fortified rice blends increased exponentially as the Fe/Zn ratio increased from 3.5 to 13.0. The plot of soluble iron vs. Fe/Zn further enabled prediction of the iron solubilization expected for any given Fe/Zn ratio. Conclusions: Iron fortification programs have the potential to significantly reduce iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and iron deficiency (ID). This research aimed to establish the relationship between the Fe/Zn molar ratio and health outcomes. Further research is needed to identify the most cost-effective Fe/Zn molar ratio to reduce IDA and/or ID. *Funded by USDA/FAS.
ABSTRACT
Objectives: The objective of this research was to determine if Ultra Rice (UR) fortified grains are shelf stable and suitable for consumption after 24 months (m) of storage and to document micronutrient losses to determine overages that must be included in the initial formulation. A longer shelf life will prevent the unnecessary disposal of fortified grains at 12m, enable fortified rice grains to be blended prior to transport, and increase the likelihood that it will reach vulnerable populations. Methods: UR premix kernels were sampled from a World Vision warehouse in Burundi every 6m over 24 m. The growth of microorganisms was tested in a certified laboratory and compared with the World Food Programme's (WFP) food safety standards for fortified rice: 10,000 /gram for Aerobic colony count, 50 /gram for Bacillus cereus, 0/gram for E. coli, 10 /gram for Coliforms, 100 /gram for Yeasts and moulds, and negative results for Salmonella. Micronutrient losses were calculated between 0 and 24 m, accounting for moisture. Results: Microorganism growth remained at or below the WFP acceptable limits after 24 m of storage. The micronutrient data indicated losses of 0.5% folic acid, 15.0% thiamine, 18.5% iron, and 18.1% zinc after 24 m of storage. Conclusions: The lack of bacterial growth within UR fortified rice suggests it can be safely consumed for at least 24 m following production and the shelf life can be extended to 24 m under similar storage conditions. Micronutrient losses were small and these amounts will be used to calculate overages with greater precision when formulating future micronutrient premix. *Funded by USDA/NIFA.