New iron enriched vinegar to fight anemia among Filipino children and adult

From the DOST public archive. Original source publication date: 2026-08-28. Captured 2026-09-04. Read the original DOST source.

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To fight the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies in the country, the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) introduced its newly developed vinegar condiment that is fortified with iron.

Based on the 2023 National Nutrition Survey (NNS) of the DOST-FNRI, iron deficiency anemia affects 21.8 percent or one in every five pregnant women, while 11.4 percent or one in every ten children under the age of five also suffer from this condition; thus, the need to provide healthier food alternatives for Filipinos.

“From then until now, the DOST-FNRI has been your partner in the fight against malnutrition. One of our agency's primary responses to micronutrient deficiencies is the food fortification strategy,” Maricar D. Albao, said.

Albao is a Science Research Specialist II from DOST-FNRI and project presenter during the official launch of the food technology.

According to Albao, researchers from DOST-FNRI have been developing various technologies such as Iron-Fortified Rice (IFR), Micronutrient Growth Mix (MGM), Tubig Talino, Rice-Mongo Curls, and others. However, she said that despite these efforts, the prevalence of anemia persists, particularly among vulnerable groups.

To address this, DOST-FNRI officially launched the Iron-Fortified Spiced Vinegar in partnership with a non-government organization, New Pathways Enterprise.

Albao said this vinegar contains 30 percent of the recommended iron intake for adults aged 19 to 29 years old.

“Its iron content remains stable until the end of its shelf life, which is at least 12 months. Even when used to cook favorite Filipino dishes like adobo, kinilaw, or paksiw na bangus, the iron content remains at 30 percent. We also do not need to worry about iron overdose or reaching toxicity levels, even if we frequently consume dishes prepared with vinegar,” Albao explained.

She said the formulation underwent rigorous study to strike a balance between taste and consumer safety. It is also free from aflatoxin (a group of poisonous chemicals made by certain molds that grow on food crops) and heavy metal contaminants.

According to Albao, each 15-gram serving—equivalent to one tablespoon—provides 35 percent of an adult's daily iron requirement. For iron content in various dishes, a 100-gram serving of chicken adobo provides 37 percent of the daily requirement for adults, while paksiw na bangus or milkfish stewed in vinegar, provides 38 percent.

According to Albao, vinegar not only helps address iron deficiency but also offers a solution to food waste since it is made from coconut water.

Citing an example, Albao said an estimated 9.3 billion liters of coconut water are wasted annually during copra processing. This number can be compared to 3.5 times the size of the Philippine Arena.

She further explained that these health and food waste issues can be turned into business opportunities through the development of iron-fortified vinegar. In fact, this food technology is waiting for its potential adopters.

“Based on our feasibility study—which factors in R&D costs and a production volume of 5,500 units per month—each 300 ml bottle can be sold for 62.60 pesos. We could further lower the price by sourcing raw materials and packaging from various suppliers at a lower cost without compromising quality,” Albao said.

In terms of production, the primary requirements are the DOST-ITDI-developed acetator Kit, a 200-liter fermentation vessel, an air compressor, and other auxiliary tools that a production company may already have. The total equipment cost is only P47,000, and at least two production personnel will be required.

The FeNRI Suka iron-fortified spiced coconut water vinegar is among the new food technologies launched during the NOURISH program or the Nurturing Opportunities for Upscaling Research and Innovation in Support for Healthier Filipinos virtual presentation.

It is one of the many initiatives of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aimed at providing science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. These pillars embody the mantra OneDOST4U: Solutions and Opportunities for All. For interested adopters, you may reach the DOST-FNRI at dostfnri47@fnri.dost.gov.ph or scanned the QR code below to accomplish the Letter of Intent. (By Claire Bernadette A. Mondares, DOST-STII)