Nanoparticles are being used to deliver vitamins or other nutrients in food and beverages without affecting the taste or appearance. These nanoparticles actually encapsulate the nutrients and carry them through the stomach into the bloodstream. For many vitamins this delivery method also allows a higher percentage of the nutrients to be used by the body because, when not encapsulated by the nanoparticles, some nutrients would be lost in the stomach.
Research is also being conducted to develop nanocapsules containing nutrients that would be released when nanosensors detect a deficiency in your body. Basically this research could result in a super vitamin storage system in your body that gives you just what you need, when you need it.
Nanomaterials are being developed to improve the taste, color, and texture of foods. For example “interactive” foods are being developed that would allow you to choose which flavor and color a piece of food has. The idea is that nanocapsules that contain flavor or color enhancers sit in the food waiting until a hungry consumer triggers them. The method hasn’t been published, so it will be interesting to see how this particular trick is accomplished.
Finally, nanoparticle emulsions are being used in ice cream and various spreads to improve the texture and uniformity.
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