AB-Biotics Granted Patent for Iron Ingredient

BARCELONA, SpainAB-Biotics received a patent from China for its functional ingredient AB-Fortis, an encapsulated iron solution that provides the recommended daily amount (RDA) of iron in one dose.

AB-Biotics already received patents from Russia, Nigeria and Mexico.

The patent protects the iron-fortified food ingredient and its production method based on the microencapsulation of iron in an alginate matrix. The product in solid microcapsule form can fortify hydrated and dehydrated foods. Among fortified foods, the patent particularly relates to a yogurt, milk, beverages and meat emulsions.

AB-Fortis can be used fat-rich matrices, such as milk or yogurt, without causing oxidation. It also resists high temperatures and can be included in formulations across any pH level.

AB-Biotics recently signed a contract with Frutarom to market AB-Fortis worldwide in food applications. In addition, the company has a contract with the Spanish company Suan Farma, which has the rights to market the ingredient worldwide in other products, such as dietary supplements and dietary foods for special medical purposes.