China is the fourth country to grant the patent for the ingredient after Russia, Mexico and Nigeria, while similar applications are currently being evaluated in a number of countries, including the United States.
The manufacturer describes AB-Fortis is an “encapsulated iron system that provides the recommended daily amount of iron in a single dose, while avoiding the metallic taste and classic side effects of standard iron supplements”.
The patent relates to the iron-fortified foods and the method for producing them based on the microencapsulation of iron in an alginate matrix. The iron source product in the form of solid microcapsules is suitable both for fortifying hydrated and dehydrated food stuffs.
It especially relates to yoghurt, milk, beverages an meat emulsions, and also protects the use of iron-fortified foods comprising iron microcapsules to reduce iron deficiency in humans.
AB-Fortis 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.
Some weeks ago, AB-Biotics signed a contract with Frutarom, a leading flavour company, to market AB-Fortis worldwide in food applications. In addition, AB-Biotics has also a contract with Spanish company Suan Farma, which gives it the rights to market AB-Fortis worldwide in other products as dietary supplements and dietary foods for special medical purposes.