Double fortification of salt with iron and iodine

The double fortification of salt with iron and iodine for simultaneous prevention of iron deficiency anemia and iodine deficiency disorders has been a goal of researchers for at least 20 years. The major problem is the interaction between iodine and iron which results in a loss of iodine. We have reviewed the published techniques for double fortification and found that most of the preparations are unstable under normal conditions found in affected areas. Stable double-fortified salt can be achieved with high-purity salt maintained in good packaging using ferrous fumarate and potassium iodide in the presence of a stabilizer. For use with impure salts in high humidity conditions, the iodine must be protected by physical or chemical means. We developed a micro-encapsulation technique that allows production of double-fortified salt stable for at least one year. The production technique and stability are discussed.