Multiple-Micronutrient Fortification Technology Development and Evaluation: From Lab to Market

At the World Summit for Children (New York, 1990), a resolution was passed to eliminate vitamin A and iodine deficiencies and significantly reduce iron-deficiency anemia by the year 2000. In responding to this urgent call, we developed a unique multiple-micronutrient fortification delivery system called “GrowthPlus/CreciPlus®.” Using this technology, a fortified powder fruit drink has been formulated and extensively evaluated. One serving of the product delivers the following US recommended dietary allowances: 20–30% of iron; 10–35% of vitamin A; 25–35% of iodine; 100–120% of vitamin C; 25–35% of zinc; 15–35% of folate; and 10–50% of vitamins E, B2, B6, and B12. This was accomplished through (a) identifying and selecting the right fortificants, and (b) understanding their chemical and physical properties that contribute to multiple problems (product acceptability, stability, and bioavailability). Data from a home-use test showed fortification with the “Multiple-Fortification Technology” has no effect on the appearance and taste of the eventually consumed powder fruit drink. One-year stability studies demonstrated that iodine and the vitamins have adequate stability. Bioavailability evaluation by using double-isotope labeling technique showed that the iron from the fortified powder drink has excellent bioavailability (23.4% ± 6.7). In conclusion, a powder fruit drink has been clinically demonstrated to deliver multiple micronutrients, which include adequate levels of bioavailable iron, vitamin A, iodine, zinc, vitamin C, and B vitamins, without compromising taste, appearance, and bioavailability. The critical limiting step in the micronutrient fortification program is the production and distribution of the multiple-micronutrient-fortified product. The fortified powder drink was marketed in Venezuela under the brand name NutriStar®.