[Addition of vitamins and minerals to corn and wheat flour in Mexico]

Abstract

In Mexico, marginal micronutrient deficiency is widespread and affects the health status and function of many Mexicans. A program to add nutrients to corn and wheat flour has been promoted by the Ministry of Health. This document describes the scientific and technological bases of the program. The main objective is to restore the nutrients which are lost during cereal processing to obtain flour and food products. Also, certain nutrients which are known to be deficient in a high proportion of Mexicans, and which should be supplemented in the diet for the benefit of the population are also included. In the definition of the formula to be added to flours various other factors were considered such as the absorption levels of the nutrients, potential interactions among them and a wide range of security to eliminate the risk of an adverse effect on health even at the highest level of food intake. Finally, the most appropriate compounds to be added to flours are suggested considering their reactivity and their possible negative effects on the stability of flour, as well as the bioavailability, market availability and cost. The recommended compounds were 5 mg/kg of thiamine (thiamine mononitrate), 3 mg/kg of riboflavin (riboflavin hydrochlorhidrate), 35 mg/kg of niacine (nicotinamide), 30 mg/kg of iron (extrafine reduced iron) and 20 mg/kg of zinc (Zinc oxide) for both types of flour, as well as 2 mg/kg and 0.5 mg/kg of folic acid for wheat and corn flour, respectively.