Archive | 2021
Nanotechnology approaches for food fortification
Abstract
Abstract In recent years, large groups of the population have become increasingly deficient in micronutrients like vitamins and minerals. Hence, essential micronutrients are incorporated into common foods by food fortification. Bioactive compounds are those that have an effect on the body and include carotenoids, essential oils, antioxidant and molecules that are widely incorporated into food to increase its nutritional and health properties. These nutrients are normally present in plant-based foods in small amounts but have a wide range of health benefits to the human body. Conventional methods of food fortification do not completely satisfy the functional requirements for bioactive compounds. They also have drawbacks of unsatisfactory flavor profiles, and poor stability and bioavailability. These drawbacks can be overcome with the utilization of nanodelivery systems. The various nanotechnology techniques that can be used for food fortification include nanosuspensions, nanoemulsions, nanoliposomes, and cyclodextrin carriers. Nanofood fortification has a wide range of advantages in the protection of phytochemicals by using an encapsulation technique and some of the micronutrients which are degraded rapidly or not properly absorbed by the body can also be aided using food fortification in the nano scale. Phytochemicals and micronutrients are essential for good health, and this review chapter discusses the current trends in nanofood fortification, including its advantages, challenges, and future perspectives.