Microencapsulated iron pyrophosphate, also known as iron liposomal, is a form of iron supplement that has been encapsulated within a protective coating of starch and lecithin. This microencapsulation technique involves surrounding tiny particles of iron pyrophosphate with a lipid bilayer, typically made from lecithin, and a further coating of starch. This protective encapsulation enhances the stability, bioavailability, and taste of the iron supplement, making it more effective and easier to incorporate into various food products and supplements.
Testing Item | Standard |
Appearance, Smell and impurity | White to light yellow Granular |
Free of peculiar smell and odor, corruption and mildew | |
No impurity and black dots by naked eyes directly | |
Moisture content | ≤10% |
Iron Content | 7.0-9.0% |
Lead ( Pb) | <1.0 mg/kg |
Arsenic (As) | <1.0 mg/kg |
Mercury | <1.0 mg/kg |
Cadmium | <0.5 mg/kg |
Total Aerobic mirobial Count | <10000 cfu/g |
Yeast and Mould | <100 cfu/g |
Escherichia. Coli | Absent in 1 gram |
Enterobacteriaceae | Absent in 0.1 gram |
Salmonella | Absent in 30 gram |
Staphylococcus aureus | Absent in 0.1 gram |
Particle Size | 100% pass 60 mesh |
Microencapsulated iron pyrophosphate has several unique characteristics that distinguish it from regular iron salts:
• Encapsulation: The iron particles are coated with a lipid layer (lecithin) and starch, which protects the iron and improves its absorption in the body.
• Improved Stability: The microencapsulation process enhances the stability of iron, preventing it from oxidizing or reacting with other food components, which can cause undesirable taste or color changes.
• Enhanced Bioavailability: The liposomal coating allows for better absorption of iron in the intestines, making it more effective than non-encapsulated iron salts.
• Reduced Gastrointestinal Issues: The protective coating minimizes irritation to the gastrointestinal tract, reducing common side effects like nausea or constipation often associated with iron supplements.
• Neutral Taste: The encapsulation masks the metallic taste of iron, making it more palatable when added to foods and beverages.
ITEM | TECHNOLOGY APPLIED | KEY SPEC | APPLICATION | ADVANTAGES |
Diluted Iron ferric pyrophosphate | Dilution embedding technique | Chinese Standard | Flour, milk powder, etc. | Enhance mixing uniformity, improve material properties, and facilitate processing |
Microencapsulated iron pyrophosphate | Microencapsulation technology | Pass 80 mesh size | General food, health food, infant food, special medical food, etc. | The particle size is small and the fluidity is good, so it can be directly processed by dry mixing. After microencapsulation, it can effectively isolate other materials and enhance the stability of the final product. It can be customized. |
Microencapsulated iron pyrophosphate offers several advantages over traditional iron salts, such as ferrous sulfate or ferrous fumarate:
• Higher Bioavailability: The liposomal coating improves the absorption of iron, leading to better efficacy even at lower doses compared to normal iron salts.
• Reduced Side Effects: The protective coating reduces the likelihood of gastrointestinal discomfort, such as constipation, nausea, or metallic aftertaste, which are common with other iron supplements.
• Improved Stability: Microencapsulation protects iron from interacting with other components in food, preventing oxidation and maintaining the product’s sensory qualities.
• Compatibility with Foods: The neutral taste and enhanced stability allow it to be incorporated into a wide range of foods and beverages without affecting their flavor or appearance.
• Sustained Release: The encapsulation can provide a more gradual release of iron, which may enhance absorption and reduce the risk of side effects.
Documentation support: