The addition of NaFeEDTA at only 5% of total iron to ferric pyrophosphate-fortified Ultra Rice Ò increased the in vitro soluble iron ten-fold. Ultra Rice Ò formulated with NaFeEDTA at 2-7% of total iron, or with Na 2 EDTAÁ2H 2 O at 0.59 the total iron equivalents, increased the soluble iron seven-to thirty-fold. The colour of the batches was acceptable through 20 weeks at 21°C, but colour stability needs to be evaluated under authentic storage conditions. Although only 34-46% of the initial vitamin A remained after extrusion, 18-week storage at 30°C/70% relative humidity, and simulated cooking, there were indications that losses could be decreased by raising the pH (to~5) and/or using a better protected vitamin A ingredient. The enhancement of soluble iron afforded by low-level NaFeEDTA or Na 2 ED-TAÁ2H 2 O supplementation suggests that this fortification strategy may merit further study as a means of increasing absorbable iron in Ultra Rice Ò .

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