Iron deficiency anemia is one of the major global health issues affecting as many as 2 billion people. In general, iron deficiency anemia causes a loss of physical endurance due to reduced levels of hemoglobin and tissue iron. During pregnancy, iron deficiency anemia is associated with increased risk of maternal mortality. Iron deficiency in infancy and childhood is associated with significant loss of cognitive abilities and decreased resistance to infections.
The most efficient way to prevent and treat iron deficiency anemia is through the fortification of food products with a form of iron that is readily absorbed by the body. AkzoNobel’s Ferric Sodium EDTA, Ferrazone is both safe and effective in reducing iron deficiency, even in inhibitory diets lacking bioavailable iron.
The main challenge in its application is to avoid undesirable color and flavor changes of the fortified food – and to avoid that the compound causes teeth staining. The iron must also be effective. Unlike other iron compounds, Ferrazone meets all these requirements:
Fortifying staple foods (i.e. various types of flour) with Ferrazone is the most efficient way of combating anemia in developing countries. Therefore, AkzoNobel is working closely with NGOs, governments and leading producers of pre-mixes (a mix of vitamins and minerals used to fortify food) to provide the highest quality product and the know-how needed for successful application. Both past and future generations have benefited or will benefit from a safe and effective source of iron in their diets, with the help of our Ferrazone product.
Ferrazone can be used in many food products, but it is primarily used to fortify foods that are stored in dry form such as powdered beverages, candy bars and flour.
Ferrazone can be added to wheat and maize flour, which are two out of three main consumed staple foods in the world. Examples of flour-derived products are bread, biscuits, pasta, instant noodles and cereals.
Powdered drinks and ready-to-serve lemonades such as Cola and beer; and functional foods like sport drinks are also good targets for iron fortification.
Ferrazone can also be used in iron containing food supplements under various forms (like syrups, sprays, tablets and powder sachets).
Our Ferrazone may advantageously be used to fortify to soy sauce, fish sauce, bouillon cubes and salt.
|Product groups||Characteristics||Main applications|
|Ferrazone® Chelating Agents||The most bio-available iron against anemia|
We have a strong RD&I organization with the capabilities and expertise to maximize the benefits of Ferrazone in your application.