Encapsulated Iron Solution Gains Patent In China

BARCELONA, SpainAB-Biotics was granted a patent by the China Patent & Trademark Office for the functional ingredient AB-Fortis.

The patented encapsulated iron system ingredient provides the recommended daily amount of  iron in a single dose, in functional foods or dietary supplements. The patent protects iron-fortified foods and a method for producing it based on the microencapsulation of iron in an alginate matrix. The iron source product, in the form of solid microcapsules, is suitable for fortifying hydrated and dehydrated food products. Among fortified products, that patent relates, in particular, to yogurt, milk, beverage and meat emulsions. Also, it protects the use of the iron-fortified food stuff comprising the iron microcapsules to reduce iron deficiency in people. The ingredient can be incorporated into fat-rich matrices, like milk or yogurt, without causing oxidation. Additionally, it's resistant to high temperatures and can be included in formulations across any pH level.

China is the fourth county to grant the patent. It has already been granted in Russia, Mexico and Nigeria. However, the patent applications for this product are being evaluated by patent offices in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Ecuador, Egypt, Europe, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Peru, Ukraine, the United States, Venezuela and South Africa. Further, a few weeks ago AB-Biotics signed a contract with Frutarom to market AB-Fortis worldwide in food applications. The company also has a contract with Suan Farma, which has the rights to market the ingredient worldwide in other products like dietary supplements and dietary foods for specific medical purposes.