Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026
06:34
The Caco-2 Cell Bioassay for Measurement of Food Iron Bioavailability
Published on: April 28, 2022
Rice fortification: its potential for improving micronutrient intake and steps required for implementation at scale.
Nina Beretta Piccoli1, Nils Grede, Saskia de Pee
1World Food Programme, Rome, Italy. nina.berettapiccoli@wfp.org
Food and Nutrition Bulletin
|March 1, 2013
Summary
Rice fortification offers a cost-effective strategy to combat widespread micronutrient deficiencies. Addressing barriers like cost and consumer acceptance is key to unlocking this vital public health opportunity.
Area of Science:
- Public Health Nutrition
- Food Science and Technology
- Micronutrient Interventions
Background:
- Micronutrient deficiencies impact over 2 billion globally, affecting health and development.
- Staple food fortification is a proven, cost-effective public health strategy.
- Rice, a staple for billions, remains largely unfortified.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the significant, yet untapped, potential of rice fortification.
- To explore the challenges and opportunities associated with fortifying rice.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on existing rice fortification technologies.
- Comparative analysis of rice fortification with other staple food fortification programs.
Main Results:
- Rice fortification technologies involve producing fortified kernels blended with regular rice.
- Key challenges include high initial investment, production costs, and consumer acceptance barriers.
- Limited successful large-scale rice fortification initiatives exist to date.
Conclusions:
- Centralized milling industries and government safety nets facilitate rice fortification implementation.
- Public-private partnerships are crucial for overcoming barriers and promoting fortified rice.
- Addressing consumer concerns and demonstrating benefits are essential for widespread adoption.
Related Concept Videos
02:35Key Elements for Plant Nutrition
Like all living organisms, plants require organic and inorganic nutrients to survive, reproduce, grow and maintain homeostasis. To identify nutrients that are essential for plant functioning, researchers have leveraged a technique called hydroponics. In hydroponic culture systems, plants are grown—without soil—in water-based solutions containing nutrients. At least 17 nutrients have been identified as essential elements required by plants. Plants acquire these elements from the atmosphere, the...
01:16Bioavailability Enhancement: Drug Solubility Enhancement
Bioavailability is a critical factor in determining a drug's effectiveness. It refers to the proportion of a drug that enters the circulation when introduced into the body and is, as a result, able to have an active effect. Enhancing bioavailability is essential for drugs with poor solubility, as it can significantly impact their therapeutic efficacy. Various methods are employed to increase the solubility of drugs, thereby enhancing their bioavailability.Micronization and nanonization are...
01:27Mineral, Vitamin and Water Absorption
Electrolytes are essential minerals and ions primarily obtained from the diet and absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. Most electrolytes are absorbed in the small intestine. While the absorption of iron and calcium primarily occurs in the duodenum, calcium is also absorbed in the jejunum and ileum. In these regions, passive diffusion contributes to its absorption alongside active transport mechanisms in the duodenum. These ions can exit the enterocytes through specialized active...
01:22Bioavailability Enhancement: Determination and Conceptual Approaches in Overcoming Bioavailability Problems
Bioavailability is a critical pharmacological concept that measures the extent and rate at which an active drug ingredient or therapeutic moiety enters the systemic circulation, remaining unchanged. It's a pivotal factor in determining a drug's efficacy and safety.The Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) plays an essential role in drug development by categorizing drugs into four classes based on their solubility and permeability. This classification aids in understanding drug absorption...
01:24Microbial Corrosion
Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) is a significant form of material degradation caused by the metabolic activities of microorganisms. This phenomenon poses substantial challenges across various industries, including oil and gas, maritime, and water treatment sectors.MIC occurs when microorganisms, such as bacteria, archaea, and fungi, colonize metal surfaces, forming biofilms that alter the local electrochemical environment. These biofilms can lead to the production of corrosive...
01:27Bioavailability Enhancement: Drug Permeability Enhancement
After oral administration, poor permeability often limits the rate at which drugs are absorbed through the intestinal epithelium. Enhancing drug permeability is crucial for effective therapy, and several strategies have been developed to overcome this challenge.One effective strategy involves the use of lipid-based formulations. These formulations enhance dissolution and solubility, targeting physiological mechanisms to increase drug absorption. This includes stimulating bile salt secretion,...