Production of iron-fortified bread employing some selected natural iron sources

Iron fortification of wheat breads is the optimal approach for reducing the high prevalence of iron deficiency in wheat-eating developing countries as in Egypt. The effectiveness of some natural iron-fortificants for potential use in Egyptian bread was tested. Defatted soybean flour, soybean flour, soybean hull flour, molasses and fenugreek flour at different levels besides FeSO4.7H2O as standard were separately incorporated in the wheat flour dough. Dough characteristics were studied using a Brabender Farinograph, where addition of such fortificants improves significantly (p < 0.05) the water absorption, development time, dough stability and dough weakening. Good breads with high nutritive value, excellent crust color, crumb grain and high overall acceptability were produced by adding either 10% defatted soybean flour, 5% soybean hull flour, 2% molasses or 4% fenugreek flour. Rat feeding trials have shown a good haematological response, i.e. higher haemoglobin (Hb) and haematocrit (Hct) values gained. Additional work is needed to identify other fortification options and to develop targeted fortification programes that will supply iron to all segments of a population in greatest need.