Iron content of palm sugar and its chemical forms in Indonesia

Abstract

The palm sugar which is produced in Indonesia comes from the sap of the palm tree. The iron content of palm sugar and its chemical forms on the market was studied. The iron content was relatively high, though it varied from product to product. Amounts of soluble and ionic iron were found in each sugar product. Over 50% of ionic iron was ferrous iron. The existence of ferrous iron in palm sugar is attributable to reducing activity formed by the non‐enzymes browning reaction of reducing sugar with amino compounds. It is believed that palm sugar can improve iron nutritional status.