Mineral enrichment composition and method of preparing same

Abstract

Mineral-containing polymeric compositions of matter having high aqueous dispersibility, and methods of synthesizing the same, are disclosed which permit nutritionally important elements such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, iron and certain trace elements to be added in aqueous form to foods of all types without adversely affecting taste qualities. The compositions generally are high molecular weight species having moieties of the generalized formula ##STR1## wherein M.sub.1 and M.sub.2 are preferably taken from the group consisting of calcium, magnesium, iron, nickel, copper, boron, zinc, manganese and molybdenum, A.sub.1 and A.sub.2 are respectively taken from the group consisting of hydrogen and the alkali metals, and X is an organic acid moiety having at least three carboxyl groups therein (preferably citrate). The synthesis preferably includes the steps of admixing in water a cation source, a potassium phosphate source and an organic acid, followed by heating and further agitation. Dispersibility of the compositions is enhanced by the use of hydroxyl-containing adjuncts such as sugars or the like. Edible forms of the composition hereof find particular utility as nutritional fortificants in traditional or ersatz foods; in addition, the compositions may be very useful in fertigation programs where minerals are applied to the soil during irrigation. Nonedible forms can be useful in virtually any context wherein dispersibility is desirable.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.