Folic Acid Fortification of Double Fortified Salt

Abstract The addition of folic acid to Double Fortified Salt aims to ameliorate iron, iodine, and folic acid deficiencies in vulnerable populations. Folic acid was added either to the iodine spray solution or to the iron premix used to prepare salt fortified with iron and iodine. When added through the solution, sodium carbonate was needed to dissolve folic acid and to adjust pH. Alternately, folic acid was added either to the iron core or sandwiched between the core and the TiO2 layer of the ferrous fumarate premix. Folic acid and iodine were stable in all three cases, retaining more than 70% of the added micronutrients after six months at 45 oC/ 60-70% RH. Adding folic acid to the premix's iron core is preferred as folic acid retention was slightly higher, and the added folic acid did not impact a yellow colour to the salt. Folic acid in this salt was stable in cooking and did not affect selected cooked foods' sensory properties. The technology is a cost-effective approach for simultaneously combating iron, iodine, and folic acid deficiencies.