Triple Fortification of Salt with Vitamin A, Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery System, Iron, and Iodine

Triple fortification of salt with vitamin A, iron, and iodine has been investigated in the past to reduce micronutrient deficiencies in the developing world.;The objective is to develop integrated nutrient delivery technology by microencapsulating a self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) made of surfactants and a bioactive compound, retinyl palmitate. The SEDDS is used to enhance absorption of the vitamin A through food systems and to achieve targeted release of the active ingredient.;Encapsulating vitamin A was difficult when using the spray dryer and the enteric coating, AquacoatRTM. Losses of the micronutrient after a three month storage period ranged from 50-99% at both 25°C/20% RH and 45°C/60% RH. The result of a matrix encapsulation and poor coating formation contributed to the high losses.;Further investigation of coating systems with the aim of stabilizing all three samples for a six month storage period such as using other encapsulating methods is recommended.