Edible coating materials—their properties and use in the fortification of rice with folic acid

Market Potential of Folate Biofortified Rice in China

“…In between, there are market conscious consumers, such as farmers whose acceptance also depends on the price impact or consumers who are concerned about its availability, and intrinsic attribute buyers, who might become reluctant when the color or taste would be different. Although folate biofortification is not expected to change sensory (taste, texture) and visual product attributes (Bekaert et al, 2008), contrary to folic acid fortified rice (Shrestha et al, 2003), this might be a problem when folate trait would be incorporated in MBR varieties. However, as Bouis et al (2000) stated, color changes could also be an advantage from a marketing point of view.…”

“…Although folate biofortification is not expected to change taste and visual product attributes (Bekaert et al, 2008), contrary to folic acid fortified rice (Shrestha et al, 2003), the impact of both attributes are included. One of the main reasons is that the product is still under development and the rice attributes might be altered depending on the rice varieties that will be selected.…”

“…Rice fortification is generally more expensive than adding folic acid to soy sauce or wheat (Susan Horton, Wilfrid Laurier University, personal communication, 15-12-2010). The use of the traditional fortification technology to lay a micronutrient coat is not a sustainable option because consumers typically wash rice before cooking (Shrestha et al, 2003). Nevertheless, there are two strategies of rice fortification being explored: the market-driven approach of DSM-Buhler and the socially-supported approach of PATH .…”

Ethyl Cellulose Microcapsules for Protecting and Controlled Release of Folic Acid

“…Folate plays a crucial role in the biosynthesis of nucleotides that are essential for nucleic acid metabolism, cell division, and gene expression. In recent years, interest in the fortification of food products with folic acid has increased, largely in response to the findings of epidemiological studies that link folate deficiency with neural tube defects (NTDs), coronary heart disease, and megaloblastic anemia (1). According to public health service recommendations, all women who are likely to be or become pregnant should consume 400µg/day of folic acid to reduce the risk of birth defects (2).…”

“…For example, incorporation of folic acid into microcapsules using either alginate or combinations of alginate and pectin polymer can improve its stability (9). In addition, the technical feasibility of adding folic acid onto rice by coating it with edible polymers such as locust bean gum, agar, xanthan gum, and pectin has been investigated, which is of interest given the low cost and high consumption of folate-deficient rice-based staple diets in much of the poorer world (1).…”