dsm-firmenich debuts Dry Vitamin A Palmitate NI to address global nutritional deficiency

Photo courtesy of dsm-firmenich

In a September 23, 2024, press release, dsm-firmenich, a chemical manufacturing company specializing in ingredients, fragrances, nutrition, and more, introduced its new Dry Vitamin A Palmitate NI. This new dry form of vitamin A, dsm-firmenich explains, can help fight global Vitamin A deficiency (VAD), which affects millions worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). VAD is linked with children’s reduced growth and development, vision loss, and an increased risk of infection, plus an increase in risk factors for cognitive impairment and mental illness.

Vitamin A is considered the most unstable vitamins, and its deficiency is considered one of the three most significant nutritional deficiencies globally. The Dry Vitamin A Palmitate NI from dsm-firmenich addresses challenges in the preservation during food fortification and storage of vitamin A. It is stabilized with all-rac-alpha tocopherol and sodium ascorbate.

"Our new dry vitamin A form exemplifies dsm-firmenich’s commitment to essential and equitable nutrition,” stated Yannick Foing, vice president of Nutrition Improvement at dsm-firmenich, in the press release. “Over the last two and a half years, our R&D and formulation teams have led a truly collaborative project, supported by experts from intellectual property, regulatory affairs, production and product management, working tirelessly to overcome complex technical challenges while meeting strict industry standards such as USDA stability testing and US Pharmacopeia (USP) monograph requirements. The result is a stable, clean-label solution optimized for flour fortification, with a particle size tailored for seamless integration into existing food production processes.”

With a minimum of 90% of particles passing through sieve No. 60 (250μm), the small particle size enables its integration into and fortification of wheat and flour, which, according to the WHO provides between 20% and 50% of calories worldwide.

Foing also explained, “This innovation not only meets industry and regulatory standards but also advances our mission to reduce the nutrient gap for 800 million people by 2030, representing a significant step towards achieving UN Sustainable Development Goal 2 – Zero Hunger, by improving access to nutritious food globally.”

dsm-firmenich’s dry vitamin A uses a BHA/BHT-free formula and is available globally. Earlier this month, dsm-firmenich announced UK and EU approval for 3-FL and LNFP-I/2'-FL human milk oligosaccharide ingredients.