History of Fortification of Margarine with Vitamin A in the Philippines

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Abstract
The search for a suitable vehicle for vitamin A fortification in the Philippines led in 1991 to Star Margarine, a hydrogenated margarine product that had been popular in the country since 1931. The initial study to determine the stability of β-carotene and vitamin A (retinol palmitate) in the product showed high percentages of vitamin A retention and good thermal stability, as indicated by high vitamin A recovery after being heated. Later, a double-blind, randomized community trial to determine the effects of consumption of non-refrigerated vitamin A—fortified margarine on the vitamin A status of three- to six-year-old children also showed an increase in mean serum retinol in the experimental group and a decrease in the control group after six months of daily consumption of the product. The multiple adjusted increment over control was 2.4 μg/dl (p<.001). The prevalence of low serum retinol (p<.01 at six months). Although its vitamin A content has been increased so that each serving of one tablespoon provides 100% of the recommended dietary allowance for Filipino young children, the marketed product has remained affordable to consumers and has been made more accessible by reducing container sizes. It has also received the Department of Health seal of recognition as a product that meets national fortification standards. The fortification of Star Margarine exemplifies the close collaboration of government and non-governmental organizations, industry, academics, and other sectors in confronting a public health problem.

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