(177l) Folic Acid Stability in the Gummy Matrix: Key Factors

Folic acid is a stable form of vitamin B9 that is used in the supplement products as an important micronutrient. It is sensitive to UV and visible light and is not stable in acid solution. However, its stability in the gummy matrix has not been fully understood. In this study, we investigated the key factors that affect the stability of folic acid in the gummy matrix through the response surface factorial design of experiments. Folic acid content in the fresh gummy depends on the pH linearly. Lower pH increases the initial loss of folic acid during processing. Both pH and solid content affect the stability of folic acid in the gummies over product shelf life. It appears that in the gummy product, the solid content affects the diffusivity of folic acid in the gummy matrix and hence its degradation with time.