Availability of micronutrients remains a major global concern. Fortified foods are inherently rich in vitamins and minerals; for instance, folic acid, or vitamin B9, is essential for preventing such health issues as neural tube defects in newborns. However, the efficacy of functional food depends on the bioavailability and solubility of the fortifying nutrients. This study focused on the solubility folic acid in aqueous solutions with citric, ascorbic, and succinic acids at various concentrations (3, 5, and 10%). The methods of UV spectroscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were employed to analyze the solubility of folic acid, with the resulting data processed using standard statistical methods. The dissolution medium had a reliable impact on the solubility of folic acid. Selecting an appropriate dissolution medium proved crucial for enhancing the bioavailability of folic acid in food fortification. The 10% aqueous solution of aminoacetic acid (glycine) demonstrated the greatest potential under standard conditions. This solution achieved the highest levels of folic acid absorption and release, surpassing those for the aqueous solution of folic acid. The absorption curves suggested a uniform molecular distribution within the solution, as well as the stability of the dissolved form. The results can be used to optimize existing food fortification technologies, thereby helping to prevent folic acid deficiency.
Lobzanova et al. (Tue,) studied this question.