Frutarom, AB-Biotics to Market Encapsulated Iron

BARCELONA, SpainFrutarom Health and AB-Biotics signed a global agency sale and marketing agreement for AB-Fortis®, an encapsulated iron solution for the functional food market.

AB-Fortis was developed for AB-Biotics and traded on the Spanish Alternative Investment Market (MAB). It provides the recommended daily amount of iron in one dose, while avoiding a metallic taste and side effects of standard iron supplements, such as dental darkening, gastrointestinal upset or nausea. The encapsulated iron can be incorporated into fat-rich matrices, such as milk or yogurt, without causing oxidation. In addition, AB-Fortis resists high temperatures and can be included in formulations across any pH level.

Iron deficiency is the most common and widespread nutritional disorder in the world, affecting millions of children and women in developing countries, according to the company. Also, it is one of the only nutrient deficiencies significantly prevalent in industrialized countries. This deficiency can be prevented by increasing iron intake via food fortification or food supplements, but high iron doses are required to make a significant impact due to poor absorption.

Previous studies show iron deficiency also links to obesity, ADHD and birth defects.