Microparticle technology brings new Hope for vitamin A deficiency
MIT researchers have developed a new method to fortify foods with vitamin A, a breakthrough that could help combat deficiency-related blindness and health issues affecting millions worldwide. The innovation involves encapsulating vitamin A in a polymer, protecting it from degradation during cooking and storage.
Vitamin A deficiency is a major global health concern, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, where it affects about one-third of preschool-aged children. Conventional efforts to add the vitamin to staple foods like bread and bouillon cubes have struggled due to the nutrient’s instability.
The MIT team used a polymer called BMC, already approved for use in coatings for drugs and supplements, to create vitamin A microparticles. These particles were found to withstand heat, light, and humidity far better than existing fortification methods. In a clinical trial, participants who ate bread fortified with encapsulated vitamin A absorbed the nutrient at levels comparable to taking it directly, demonstrating its effectiveness.
Two companies have licensed the technology to integrate it into food products. Particles for Humanity, backed by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, is working on applications in Africa, while VitaKey aims to expand its use across various food and beverage products.
This advancement offers a promising solution for improving vitamin A intake in vulnerable populations without altering their diets or routines.
Category: Pharmaceuticals
