THE SIGNIFICANCE OF I-RICE: IRON FORTIFIED RICE

            A large part of the population today suffers from hidden hunger or micro nutrient deficiency, a leading nutritional disorder in the world.

            Micronutrient deficiency refers to the lack of essential vitamins and trace minerals such as Vitamin A, Iron, Iodine, Zinc, etc. Inadequate intake of this micronutrient had been found to be a major contributory factor for various health problems. This also resulted to increase rates of illness and deaths from infectious diseases and disability such as mental impairment.

            Iron is one of the most important trace elements essential for many proteins and enzymes that keep the body in good shape. It is Involves in many metabolic reactions and regulation of cell growth and differentiation. It is also involved in proper functioning of liver and helps in improving immune activity by protecting the body against harmful actions of free radicals.

            Iron is part of hemoglobin that carries oxygen from lungs to the tissues, and carbon dioxide from tissue to the lungs. Hemoglobin gives the red color blood. It transport oxygen to different parts of the body, and is needed in the production of energy needed to do work.

            Iron deficiency can lead to anemia when iron stored in the body gets depleted and hemoglobin synthesis is inhibited. It usually begins with negative iron balance when dietary iron intake does not meet the daily need for iron and develops gradually.

            Studies showed that iron deficiency anemia is responsible for 20% of early neonatal mortality and 10% of maternal mortality. It also reduces cognitive development and work performance.

            Recognizing these threats and the increasing mortality rate brought about by micronutrient deficiency in the country, a law was passed by the legislative body in 2000 to address the alarming nutritional disorder.

 

            

 Republic Act 8976 provides great opportunity to recognize the role of fortification in laying the foundation of a healthy citizenry and ensuring economic growth. Food fortification has been recognized as an effective and sustainable means to fight and eliminate micronutrient deficiency in the country because of its social acceptability and independence from consumer behavior and food habits.

            Being the prime mover of the grains industry, the National Food Authority leads the government efforts in the implementation of the rice fortification program.

What is I-RICE?

            I-RICE or Iron Fortified Rice is a mixture of white milled rice and I-Mix or Iron rice premix processed through fortification.

 What is fortification?

            It is the addition of micronutrient (vitamins and minerals) deficient in the diet, to a food which is widely consumed by specific at risk groups such as school children, pregnant women and lactating mothers.

 What is the mixing ratio of I-RICE?

            About 4-5 of I-Mix (iron rice premix) is mixed with 1kg of milled rice. (1:200 ratio).

Why fortified rice?

·        To replace nutrient lost during the milling process

·        In compliance to Philippine Food Fortification Act of 2000 or Republic Act 8976

What is Republic Act 8976?

·        It calls for the mandatory fortification of staples such as rice, flour, cooking oil and refined sugar. It also encourages manufacturers of process foods to fortify their products under the voluntary system or the Sangkap Pinoy Seal Program.

·        It seeks to address the alarming micronutrient deficiency in the country.

What are the nutritional benefits of I-RICE?

-  Prevents anemia

- Builds healthy red blood cells

-         Boosts body system to fight infection

-     Improves mental and physical development

-  Maintains alertness and endurance

-  Improves productivity

-  Prevents child birth defects and mortality during pregnancy

-  Good for lactating mothers

What is the taste of I-RICE?

            Except for the change in color which slightly becomes grayish, I-mix (fortificant) will have no effect on the taste of rice when cooked. It looks and tastes like any other regular rice.

Is I-RICE safe to eat?

            Yes, I-RICE is safe to eat. The process of fortification is a result of careful and extensive studies conducted by concerned government agencies such as the Foods & Drugs Administration (FDA) of the Department of Health (DOH); Food & Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) of the department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Food Development Center (FDC) of the National Food Authority (NFA).

            The I-Mix or iron rice premix used is certified Halal.

Can there be an over dosage of eating I-RICE?

            There can be no “over dosage” in eating I-RICE because it only provides ½ of the daily Recommended Energy Nutrient Intake (RENI) for iron.

How is I-RICE cooked?

            I-RICE is cooked like any ordinary rice.

Is I-RICE available in the market?

            I-RICE is already available in NFA accredited rice retail outlets nationwide.

SOURCE: NATIONAL FOOD AUTHORITY