This technology consists of 50–200μm iodine capsules, in which water-soluble iodine salts like potassium iodide are encapsulated in calcium alginate, along with their manufacturing method and salt mixed with these capsules. By trapping the iodine within the capsules, the content is maintained during manufacturing, transport, and storage.
Iodine is an essential micronutrient and a key component of thyroid hormones. Deficiency can lead to goiter, metabolic slowdown, and impaired fetal development, which is why the WHO and UNICEF have adopted salt as a medium for iodine delivery. However, iodine is prone to sublimation through oxidation-reduction, making it difficult to prevent loss during the production and transport of fortified salt.
This technology involves creating capsules by dropwise addition or electrospinning a solution containing iodine salt, sodium alginate, and additives like HPMC or dextrin into a calcium chloride solution, followed by freeze-drying. The finished capsules are blended into sea salt to achieve a specific iodine content. Applicable to iodine-fortified sea salt, export salt for iodine-deficient countries, and mineral-fortified ingredients for processed foods, it ensures iodine levels throughout the shelf life, helping prevent deficiency diseases and boosting the export competitiveness of Korean salt.
This invention was developed with support from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to investigate the excellence of rare Korean sea salt and its processed forms, and to create new added value.
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