Release of Iron, Zinc, and Lead from Common Iron Construction Bars and Zinc Metallic Bars in Water Solutions and Meals

Abstract

Background The use of iron pots has decreased the prevalence of anemia. Objective To investigate the release of iron, zinc, and lead from metallic iron and zinc bars incubated in water and in meals. Methods Iron, zinc, and lead concentrations were measured at different incubation conditions in water and in meals. Results The iron concentration in water was 1.26 mg/L after incubation with one iron bar at pH 7 and 100°C for 20 minutes and in meals was 0.97 mg per 100 g of wet meals, rich in phytate, cooking at 100°C during 20 minutes. The maximum contents were 7,720 mg/L of iron and 1,826 mg/L of zinc in vinegar at pH 3 and 20°C after 90 and 32 days, respectively. Lead was released from the bars, but at concentrations well below the upper tolerable limits. Discussion In outreach populations, the use of iron and zinc metallic bars in water and meals could contribute to sustainable, very low-cost prevention of iron and zinc deficiencies, and home-fortified vinegar could be used for treatment of both deficiencies. Conclusions Field trials should be performed to determine the impact that the use of iron and zinc metallic bars in water and meals might have on the iron and zinc status of population groups.