Frutarom buys AB-Fortis iron-delivery tech

Herzliya, Israel – Flavour company Frutarom Industries has acquired the patent for AB-Fortis micro-encapsulation technology for iron delivery from Spanish biotech firm AB-Biotics.

The AB-Fortis system is a patent-protected encapsulated iron system for delivering the recommended daily amount of iron in a single dose. It is designed to have increased biological absorption and help consumers avoid the common negative aspects and side-effects of iron supplements, including metallic aftertaste, dental darkening, gastrointestinal upset and nausea, Frutarom Industries said in a news release.

The iron can be incorporated into fat-rich matrices, such as milk or yogurt, without causing oxidation. It is heat- and pH-stable, the release said. It will not accelerate oxidation of other components of a formulation, such as folate or omega-3 fatty acids, making it ideal for functional foods, infant nutrition and food supplements.

In children under the age of six and pregnant women, Frutarom estimates the percentage of population suffering from iron deficiency is as high as 20 per cent in developed countries and 60 per cent in some developing countries.

Frutarom acquired the technology and expanded its activity in the market after four years of experience developing applications in a wide range of food and beverage products.

“Iron’s high reactivity commonly leads to negative side effects when relevant dosages are ingested,” said Wouter Haazen, product manager for Frutarom Health. “AB-Fortis is produced using a patented process, which provides highly stable encapsulation ensuring no release of free iron in the food matrix. “Coating the iron using AB-Fortis’ unique micro-encapsulation technology stabilizes and protects it, rendering the iron flavourless and allowing for adequate dosages, all without the negative side effects, while maintaining a high bioavailability.”