A novel iron fortifier, a ferric pyrophosphate compound called SunActive Fe™, received the NutrAward for Best New Product at this year's Nutracon/Natural Products Expo, as well as Most Innovative Food Ingredient Award at Food Ingredients Europe.

Iron deficiency affects all economic groups and, most often, occurs in infants and children, as well as child-bearing and pregnant women. Many of the most bioavailable iron sources, however, adversely affect product quality by accelerating lipid oxidation, producing unfavorable color or flavor, and causing severe irritation of the gastrointestinal system. SunActive, from Taiyo International, remains in suspension in liquid products; is stable against heat, salt, pH and oxidation; and has no iron flavor or change in color, no gastric toxicity or irritation, and superior absorption and bioavailability.

Taiyo International, Scott Smith, scott@taiyoint.com, www.taiyokagaku.com.