Vitamin C fortification: need and recent trends in encapsulation technologies

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Human Nutrition
• Food Science

Background:

• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is vital for antioxidant activity, collagen synthesis, and neurotransmitter production, requiring dietary intake as humans lack endogenous synthesis.
• Optimal serum levels of vitamin C (28 μmol/L) are crucial, yet deficiency is globally prevalent due to degradation during food processing and distribution.
• Existing strategies like diet diversification and supplementation have limitations in addressing widespread vitamin C deficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the critical role of vitamin C in human health and its biochemical functions.
• To examine factors affecting vitamin C stability and degradation in dietary sources.
• To explore current strategies and emerging nanotechnology-based delivery systems for vitamin C fortification.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on vitamin C's biochemical functions and deficiency prevalence.
• Analysis of factors influencing vitamin C stability and degradation.
• Survey of existing and novel approaches for vitamin C fortification and delivery.

Main Results:

• Vitamin C deficiency is a growing global health concern impacting various populations.
• Food processing, storage, and distribution significantly reduce vitamin C content.
• Nanotechnology presents a viable approach for encapsulating and delivering vitamin C, improving stability and bioavailability.

Conclusions:

• Addressing vitamin C deficiency requires innovative strategies, particularly in food fortification.
• Nanotechnology-based delivery systems hold significant potential for enhancing vitamin C stability and bioavailability in fortified foods.
• Further research into suitable nanotechnology delivery systems is crucial for effective vitamin C fortification.