Bioavailability of riboflavin from fortified palm juice

The bioavailability of riboflavin from fortified palm juice was assessed in young adult men, Riboflavin status was assessed from urinary riboflavin excretion and erythrocyte glutathione reductase activity coefficient (EGR-AC) while iron status was assessed from haemoglobin and serum ferritin concentrations. Although the consumption of unfortified palm juice made significant contribution to the meager riboflavin intake, it conferred no metabolic advantage. The consumption of fortified palm juice produced a marked reduction in EGR-AC values and a significant increase in urinary riboflavin excretion. Since iron release from storage sites may be flavin dependent, riboflavin deficiency may affect iron utilization. Fortification may prove effective in alleviating nutrient deficiencies, but the carrier vehicle must be acceptable to all age groups.