(OR24-05-24) Pilot Scale Production and Optimization of Quadruple Fortification of Salt

Objectives: Our study documents the progression of quadruple fortification of salt with iron, iodine, folic acid, and vitamin B12 from laboratory to pilot scale, along with process optimization.

Methods: Three design stages were implemented. Initially, iron was added as microencapsulated and coated ferrous fumarate, while iodine, folic acid, and vitamin B12 were sprayed onto the salt. The second design utilized a microencapsulated and coated premix of iron and vitamin B12, with the other nutrients applied as a solution spray. This second design was successfully scaled up in India. In the final iteration, iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 premix were added to iodized salt, with two premix designs explored: coextrusion of all three micronutrients and coextrusion of iron and vitamin B12 with folic acid sandwiched between layers of a color masking agent.

Results: The initial process design encountered challenges due to the incompatibility of folic acid and vitamin B12 in solution. However, the micronutrients demonstrated high stability in the second design, with at least 80% retention after six months, leading to successful scaling up in India. Nevertheless, a color issue arose from the presence of folic acid. In the final design, coextrusion of iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 was preferred due to its superior stability. Micronutrients in the salt remained stable when used in cooking rice, although slight degradation of vitamin B12 occurred when the cooked rice was heated in a microwave cooker.

Conclusions: This technology offers a cost-effective means to address population-wide deficiencies in iron, iodine, folic acid, and vitamin B12 simultaneously.

Funding Sources: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation