Solid dosage forms (powders and tablets) as an alternative to prevent zinc nutritional deficiency

LÓPEZ CÓRDOBA A.F.; NAVARRO A.S.; MARTINO M.N.

Concordia, Entre Ríos

Conferencia; International Conference on Food Innovation - Food Innova 2014; 2014

Universidad Politécnica de Valencia (España) y UNER

Zinc deficiency is a worldwide nutritional problem associated with high child mortality rates. Therefore, nowadays World Health Organization suggests the incorporation of this mineral in government nutritional programs. Zinc sulfate is the most used salt for food supplementation; however, this compound modifies the sensorial characteristics of the products and even generating side effects (nausea and vomiting). The objective of this work was to develop solid dosage forms (powders and tablets) containing zinc to supply the requirements of at-risk populations. Zinc loaded powders (17 mg/g powder) were obtained through co-crystallization in sucrose matrix with high encapsulation efficiency (98%). The products showed values of water activity (0.6) and moisture content (0.3%) characteristics of good stability. Co-crystallization allowed obtaining products with better flowability than the non-encapsulated zinc salt. The main functional groups of the samples were identified by FTIR spectroscopy. Zinc co-crystallized products showed similar spectrum than sucrose indicating that interactions between active compound and matrix would not take place. Moreover, the products were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and no degradation peaks were found below 100ºC, showing a high thermal stability. Besides, mechanical compression behavior of blends of zinc co-crystallized (80% w/w), native corn starch (20 % w/w) and magnesium stearate (1g/100 g of blend) was assayed. The physicochemical properties of the blends were determined, finding low moisture content and good flowability and compressibility values. These characteristics are favorable to apply these materials for direct compression. Finally, tablets were obtained by mechanical compression method. Compressed tablets showed high zinc content (6.7 mg per tablet) and optimal values of hardness and friability. In vivo disintegration time was evaluated by an unentrained panel of ten judges obtaining values of around 3 min. Sensorial evaluation of the tablets showed an acceptance level of 55%, thus, these systems could be a good alternative to help in preventing zinc deficiency.