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Zulfiqar A Bhutta - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Potential impacts of iron Biofortification in India
Social science & medicine (1982), 2008Co-Authors: Alexander J. Stein, Matin Qaim, J.v. Meenakshi, Penelope Nestel, H. P. S. Sachdev, Zulfiqar A BhuttaAbstract:Iron deficiency is a widespread nutrition and health problem in developing countries, causing impairments in physical activity and cognitive development, as well as maternal mortality. Although food fortification and supplementation programmes have been effective in some countries, their overall success remains limited. Biofortification, that is, breeding food crops for higher micronutrient content, is a relatively new approach, which has been gaining international attention recently. We propose a methodology for ex ante impact assessment of iron Biofortification, building on a disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) framework. This methodology is applied in an Indian context. Using a large and representative data set of household food consumption, the likely effects of iron-rich rice and wheat varieties are simulated for different target groups and regions. These varieties, which are being developed by an international public research consortium, based on conventional breeding techniques, might be ready for local distribution within the next couple of years. The results indicate sizeable potential health benefits. Depending on the underlying assumptions, the disease burden associated with iron deficiency could be reduced by 19–58%. Due to the relatively low institutional cost to reach the target population, the expected cost-effectiveness of iron Biofortification compares favourably with other micronutrient interventions. Nonetheless, Biofortification should not be seen as a substitute for other interventions. Each approach has its particular strengths, so they complement one another.
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plant breeding to control zinc deficiency in india how cost effective is Biofortification
Public Health Nutrition, 2007Co-Authors: Alexander J. Stein, Matin Qaim, J.v. Meenakshi, Penelope Nestel, H. P. S. Sachdev, Zulfiqar A BhuttaAbstract:OBJECTIVE: To estimate the potential impact of zinc Biofortification of rice and wheat on public health in India and to evaluate its cost-effectiveness compared with alternative interventions and international standards. DESIGN: The burden of zinc deficiency (ZnD) in India was expressed in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost. Current zinc intakes were derived from a nationally representative household food consumption survey (30-day recall) and attributed to household members based on adult equivalent weights. Using a dose-response function, projected increased zinc intakes from biofortified rice and wheat were translated into potential health improvements for pessimistic and optimistic scenarios. After estimating the costs of developing and disseminating the new varieties, the cost-effectiveness of zinc Biofortification was calculated for both scenarios and compared with alternative micronutrient interventions and international reference standards. SETTING: India. SUBJECTS: Representative household survey (n = 119 554). RESULTS: The calculated annual burden of ZnD in India is 2.8 million DALYs lost. Zinc Biofortification of rice and wheat may reduce this burden by 20-51% and save 0.6-1.4 million DALYs each year, depending on the scenario. The cost for saving one DALY amounts to $US 0.73-7.31, which is very cost-effective by standards of the World Bank and the World Health Organization, and is lower than that of most other micronutrient interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Not only may zinc Biofortification save lives and prevent morbidity among millions of people, it may also help accommodate the need to economise and to allocate resources more efficiently. Further research is needed to corroborate these findings.
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plant breeding to control zinc deficiency in india how cost effective is Biofortification
Public Health Nutrition, 2007Co-Authors: Alexander J. Stein, Matin Qaim, J.v. Meenakshi, Penelope Nestel, H. P. S. Sachdev, Zulfiqar A BhuttaAbstract:The objective was to estimate the potential impact of zinc Biofortification of rice and wheat on public health in India and to evaluate its cost-effectiveness compared with alternative interventions and international standards. The burden of zinc deficiency (ZnD) in India was expressed in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost. Current zinc intakes were derived from a nationally representative household food consumption survey (30-day recall) and attributed to household members based on adult equivalent weights. Using a dose-response function projected increased zinc intakes from biofortified rice and wheat were translated into potential health improvements for pessimistic and optimistic scenarios. After estimating the costs of developing and disseminating the new varieties the costeffectiveness of zinc Biofortification was calculated for both scenarios and compared with alternative micronutrient interventions and international reference standards. The study took place in India. The subjects were a representative household survey (n = 119 554). The calculated annual burden of ZnD in India is 2.8 million DALYs lost. Zinc Biofortification of rice and wheat may reduce this burden by 20-51% and save 0.6-1.4 million DALYs each year depending on the scenario. The cost for saving one DALY amounts to $US 0.73-7.31 which is very cost-effective by standards of the World Bank and the World Health Organization and is lower than that of most other micronutrient interventions. Not only may zinc Biofortification save lives and prevent morbidity among millions of people it may also help accommodate the need to economise and to allocate resources more efficiently. Further research is needed to corroborate these findings. (authors)
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Potential Impacts of Iron Biofortification in India
Research Papers in Economics, 2006Co-Authors: Alexander J. Stein, Matin Qaim, J.v. Meenakshi, Penelope Nestel, H. P. S. Sachdev, Zulfiqar A BhuttaAbstract:Iron deficiency is a widespread nutritional problem in developing countries, causing impaired physical activity and cognitive development, as well as maternal mortality. Although food fortification and supplementation programmes have been effective in some countries, their overall success remains limited. Biofortification, that is, breeding crops for higher micronutrient content, is a relatively new approach. We propose a methodology for ex-ante impact assessment of iron Biofortification, which builds on disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and a large household data set. Our analysis of iron-rich rice and wheat in India indicates sizeable potential health benefits. The cost-effectiveness of iron Biofortification compares favourably with other interventions.
Dominique Van Der Straeten - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Regulation of plant vitamin metabolism: backbone of Biofortification for the alleviation of hidden hunger
Molecular plant, 2021Co-Authors: Ling Jiang, Simon Strobbe, Dominique Van Der Straeten, Chunyi ZhangAbstract:Micronutrient deficiencies include shortages of vitamins and minerals. They affect billions of people and are associated with long-range effects on health, learning ability, and huge economic losses. Biofortification of multiple micronutrients can play an important role in combating malnutrition. The challenge, however, is to balance plant growth with nutrient requirements for humans. Here, we summarize the major progress about vitamin biosynthesis and its response to the changing environment. We discuss the interactions among vitamins as well as possible strategies for vitamin Biofortification. Finally, we propose to integrate new breeding technologies with metabolic pathway modification to facilitate the Biofortification of crops, thereby alleviating the hidden hunger of target populations.
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Toward Eradication of B-Vitamin Deficiencies: Considerations for Crop Biofortification
Frontiers in Plant Science, 2018Co-Authors: Simon Strobbe, Dominique Van Der StraetenAbstract:‘Hidden hunger’ involves insufficient intake of micronutrients and is estimated to affect over two billion people on a global scale. Malnutrition of vitamins and minerals is known to cause an alarming number of casualties, even in the developed world. Many staple crops, although serving as the main dietary component for large population groups, deliver inadequate amounts of micronutrients. Biofortification, the augmentation of natural micronutrient levels in crop products through breeding or genetic engineering, is a pivotal tool in the fight against micronutrient malnutrition (MNM). Although these approaches have shown to be successful in several species, a more extensive knowledge of plant metabolism and function of these micronutrients is required to refine and improve Biofortification strategies. This review focuses on the relevant B vitamins (B1, B6 and B9). First, the role of these vitamins in plant physiology is elaborated, as well their biosynthesis. Second, the rationale behind vitamin Biofortification is illustrated in view of pathophysiology and epidemiology of the deficiency. Furthermore, advances in Biofortification, via metabolic engineering or breeding, are presented. Finally, considerations on B-vitamin multi-biofortified crops are raised, comprising the possible interplay of these vitamins in planta.
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folate Biofortification in food crops
Current Opinion in Biotechnology, 2017Co-Authors: Simon Strobbe, Dominique Van Der StraetenAbstract:Folates are essential vitamins in the human diet. Folate deficiency is still very common, provoking disorders such as birth defects and anemia. Biofortification via metabolic engineering is a proven powerful means to alleviate folate malnutrition. A variety of metabolic engineering approaches have been successfully implemented in different crops and tissues. Furthermore, ensuring folate stability is crucial for long-term storage of crop products. However, the current strategies, shown to be successful in rice and tomato, will need to be fine-tuned to enable adequate Biofortification of other staples such as potato, wheat and cassava. Thus, there is a need to overcome remaining hurdles in folate Biofortification. Overall, Biofortification, via breeding or metabolic engineering, will be imperative to effectively combat folate deficiency.
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improving folate vitamin b9 stability in biofortified rice through metabolic engineering
Nature Biotechnology, 2015Co-Authors: Dieter Blancquaert, Simon Strobbe, Xavier Gellynck, Hans De Steur, Jeroen Van Daele, Filip Kiekens, Sergei Storozhenko, Willy E Lambert, Christophe P Stove, Dominique Van Der StraetenAbstract:Biofortification of staple crops could help to alleviate micronutrient deficiencies in humans. We show that folates in stored rice grains are unstable, which reduces the potential benefits of folate Biofortification. We obtain folate concentrations that are up to 150 fold higher than those of wild-type rice by complexing folate to folate-binding proteins to improve folate stability, thereby enabling long-term storage of biofortified high-folate rice grains.
Alexander J. Stein - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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The Poor, Malnutrition, Biofortification, and Biotechnology
Oxford Handbooks Online, 2013Co-Authors: Alexander J. SteinAbstract:While less apparent than outright hunger or obesity, the lack of essential vitamins and minerals in people’s diets is one of the leading contributors to the global burden of disease. Current interventions, such as supplementation or fortification, are being implemented with varying success, but—while important—overall progress in the fight against micronutrient malnutrition has been limited. Biofortification, the breeding of crops for higher contents of vitamins and minerals, is a new approach to complement existing interventions. This chapter gives an overview of the problem of micronutrient malnutrition and how it is measured; it briefly discusses current micronutrient interventions, and then presents the reasoning behind Biofortification before it examines the feasibility of biofortifying crops and summarizes studies on their potential impact and economic justification. After listing current Biofortification programs, the chapter looks into the political controversy surrounding genetic engineering in agriculture and how it relates to Biofortification; it then concludes with an assessment of the current status of Biofortification and its potential.
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Potential impacts of iron Biofortification in India
Social science & medicine (1982), 2008Co-Authors: Alexander J. Stein, Matin Qaim, J.v. Meenakshi, Penelope Nestel, H. P. S. Sachdev, Zulfiqar A BhuttaAbstract:Iron deficiency is a widespread nutrition and health problem in developing countries, causing impairments in physical activity and cognitive development, as well as maternal mortality. Although food fortification and supplementation programmes have been effective in some countries, their overall success remains limited. Biofortification, that is, breeding food crops for higher micronutrient content, is a relatively new approach, which has been gaining international attention recently. We propose a methodology for ex ante impact assessment of iron Biofortification, building on a disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) framework. This methodology is applied in an Indian context. Using a large and representative data set of household food consumption, the likely effects of iron-rich rice and wheat varieties are simulated for different target groups and regions. These varieties, which are being developed by an international public research consortium, based on conventional breeding techniques, might be ready for local distribution within the next couple of years. The results indicate sizeable potential health benefits. Depending on the underlying assumptions, the disease burden associated with iron deficiency could be reduced by 19–58%. Due to the relatively low institutional cost to reach the target population, the expected cost-effectiveness of iron Biofortification compares favourably with other micronutrient interventions. Nonetheless, Biofortification should not be seen as a substitute for other interventions. Each approach has its particular strengths, so they complement one another.
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plant breeding to control zinc deficiency in india how cost effective is Biofortification
Public Health Nutrition, 2007Co-Authors: Alexander J. Stein, Matin Qaim, J.v. Meenakshi, Penelope Nestel, H. P. S. Sachdev, Zulfiqar A BhuttaAbstract:OBJECTIVE: To estimate the potential impact of zinc Biofortification of rice and wheat on public health in India and to evaluate its cost-effectiveness compared with alternative interventions and international standards. DESIGN: The burden of zinc deficiency (ZnD) in India was expressed in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost. Current zinc intakes were derived from a nationally representative household food consumption survey (30-day recall) and attributed to household members based on adult equivalent weights. Using a dose-response function, projected increased zinc intakes from biofortified rice and wheat were translated into potential health improvements for pessimistic and optimistic scenarios. After estimating the costs of developing and disseminating the new varieties, the cost-effectiveness of zinc Biofortification was calculated for both scenarios and compared with alternative micronutrient interventions and international reference standards. SETTING: India. SUBJECTS: Representative household survey (n = 119 554). RESULTS: The calculated annual burden of ZnD in India is 2.8 million DALYs lost. Zinc Biofortification of rice and wheat may reduce this burden by 20-51% and save 0.6-1.4 million DALYs each year, depending on the scenario. The cost for saving one DALY amounts to $US 0.73-7.31, which is very cost-effective by standards of the World Bank and the World Health Organization, and is lower than that of most other micronutrient interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Not only may zinc Biofortification save lives and prevent morbidity among millions of people, it may also help accommodate the need to economise and to allocate resources more efficiently. Further research is needed to corroborate these findings.
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plant breeding to control zinc deficiency in india how cost effective is Biofortification
Public Health Nutrition, 2007Co-Authors: Alexander J. Stein, Matin Qaim, J.v. Meenakshi, Penelope Nestel, H. P. S. Sachdev, Zulfiqar A BhuttaAbstract:The objective was to estimate the potential impact of zinc Biofortification of rice and wheat on public health in India and to evaluate its cost-effectiveness compared with alternative interventions and international standards. The burden of zinc deficiency (ZnD) in India was expressed in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost. Current zinc intakes were derived from a nationally representative household food consumption survey (30-day recall) and attributed to household members based on adult equivalent weights. Using a dose-response function projected increased zinc intakes from biofortified rice and wheat were translated into potential health improvements for pessimistic and optimistic scenarios. After estimating the costs of developing and disseminating the new varieties the costeffectiveness of zinc Biofortification was calculated for both scenarios and compared with alternative micronutrient interventions and international reference standards. The study took place in India. The subjects were a representative household survey (n = 119 554). The calculated annual burden of ZnD in India is 2.8 million DALYs lost. Zinc Biofortification of rice and wheat may reduce this burden by 20-51% and save 0.6-1.4 million DALYs each year depending on the scenario. The cost for saving one DALY amounts to $US 0.73-7.31 which is very cost-effective by standards of the World Bank and the World Health Organization and is lower than that of most other micronutrient interventions. Not only may zinc Biofortification save lives and prevent morbidity among millions of people it may also help accommodate the need to economise and to allocate resources more efficiently. Further research is needed to corroborate these findings. (authors)
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Potential Impacts of Iron Biofortification in India
Research Papers in Economics, 2006Co-Authors: Alexander J. Stein, Matin Qaim, J.v. Meenakshi, Penelope Nestel, H. P. S. Sachdev, Zulfiqar A BhuttaAbstract:Iron deficiency is a widespread nutritional problem in developing countries, causing impaired physical activity and cognitive development, as well as maternal mortality. Although food fortification and supplementation programmes have been effective in some countries, their overall success remains limited. Biofortification, that is, breeding crops for higher micronutrient content, is a relatively new approach. We propose a methodology for ex-ante impact assessment of iron Biofortification, which builds on disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and a large household data set. Our analysis of iron-rich rice and wheat in India indicates sizeable potential health benefits. The cost-effectiveness of iron Biofortification compares favourably with other interventions.
Rahul Kumar - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Biofortification and bioavailability of Zn, Fe and Se in wheat: present status and future prospects
Theoretical and Applied Genetics, 2021Co-Authors: P. K. Gupta, H. S. Balyan, Shailendra Sharma, Rahul KumarAbstract:Key message Knowledge of genetic variation, genetics, physiology/molecular basis and breeding (including biotechnological approaches) for Biofortification and bioavailability for Zn, Fe and Se will help in developing nutritionally improved wheat. Abstract Biofortification of wheat cultivars for micronutrients is a priority research area for wheat geneticists and breeders. It is known that during breeding of wheat cultivars for productivity and quality, a loss of grain micronutrient contents occurred, leading to decline in nutritional quality of wheat grain. Keeping this in view, major efforts have been made during the last two decades for achieving Biofortification and bioavailability of wheat grain for micronutrients including Zn, Fe and Se. The studies conducted so far included evaluation of gene pools for contents of not only grain micronutrients as above, but also for phytic acid (PA) or phytate and phytase, so that, while breeding for the micronutrients, bioavailability is also improved. For this purpose, QTL interval mapping and GWAS were carried out to identify QTLs/genes and associated markers that were subsequently used for marker-assisted selection (MAS) during breeding for Biofortification. Studies have also been conducted to understand the physiology and molecular basis of Biofortification, which also allowed identification of genes for uptake, transport and storage of micronutrients. Transgenics using transgenes have also been produced. The breeding efforts led to the development of at least a dozen cultivars with improved contents of grain micronutrients, although land area occupied by these biofortified cultivars is still marginal. In this review, the available information on different aspects of Biofortification and bioavailability of micronutrients including Zn, Fe and Se in wheat has been reviewed for the benefit of those, who plan to start work or already conducting research in this area.
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Biofortification and bioavailability of Zn, Fe and Se in wheat: present status and future prospects.
TAG. Theoretical and applied genetics. Theoretische und angewandte Genetik, 2020Co-Authors: P. K. Gupta, H. S. Balyan, Shailendra Sharma, Rahul KumarAbstract:Knowledge of genetic variation, genetics, physiology/molecular basis and breeding (including biotechnological approaches) for Biofortification and bioavailability for Zn, Fe and Se will help in developing nutritionally improved wheat. Biofortification of wheat cultivars for micronutrients is a priority research area for wheat geneticists and breeders. It is known that during breeding of wheat cultivars for productivity and quality, a loss of grain micronutrient contents occurred, leading to decline in nutritional quality of wheat grain. Keeping this in view, major efforts have been made during the last two decades for achieving Biofortification and bioavailability of wheat grain for micronutrients including Zn, Fe and Se. The studies conducted so far included evaluation of gene pools for contents of not only grain micronutrients as above, but also for phytic acid (PA) or phytate and phytase, so that, while breeding for the micronutrients, bioavailability is also improved. For this purpose, QTL interval mapping and GWAS were carried out to identify QTLs/genes and associated markers that were subsequently used for marker-assisted selection (MAS) during breeding for Biofortification. Studies have also been conducted to understand the physiology and molecular basis of Biofortification, which also allowed identification of genes for uptake, transport and storage of micronutrients. Transgenics using transgenes have also been produced. The breeding efforts led to the development of at least a dozen cultivars with improved contents of grain micronutrients, although land area occupied by these biofortified cultivars is still marginal. In this review, the available information on different aspects of Biofortification and bioavailability of micronutrients including Zn, Fe and Se in wheat has been reviewed for the benefit of those, who plan to start work or already conducting research in this area.
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Influence of Agronomic Zinc Fortification on Quality, Productivity and Profitability of Rice: A Review
International Journal of Chemical Studies, 2020Co-Authors: Rahul Kumar, Shipra Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, Jitendra Kumar, Sanjay Singh Chauhan, Monu KumarAbstract:Deficiency of zinc is a worldwide nutritional problem and intensity of the problem is even severe in developing countries. Rice grainis the key to meet a person’s daily energy requirements, but they are very low in zinc concentration, especially when grown in Zn-deficient soil. There are ways to address zinc deficiency viz., nutritional diversification, food enrichment and Biofortification. There are several limitations regarding nutritional diversification and food enrichment which favors Biofortification of zinc as a perpetual solution of malnutrition. Among the potential Biofortification methods to rectify Zn deficiency, plant breeding approaches and agronomic Biofortification offers major advantage. This review appraised the role of Zn in plants, zinc uptake, translocation and partitioning efficiencies in rice that is driven by various agronomic, breeding and biotechnological approaches. There is a genuine need to integrate zinc in rice production systems using agronomic and conventional breeding methods. Agronomic Biofortification is economically sustainable and practically adoptable solution to overcome the Zn deficiency problem in rice.
Simon Strobbe - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Regulation of plant vitamin metabolism: backbone of Biofortification for the alleviation of hidden hunger
Molecular plant, 2021Co-Authors: Ling Jiang, Simon Strobbe, Dominique Van Der Straeten, Chunyi ZhangAbstract:Micronutrient deficiencies include shortages of vitamins and minerals. They affect billions of people and are associated with long-range effects on health, learning ability, and huge economic losses. Biofortification of multiple micronutrients can play an important role in combating malnutrition. The challenge, however, is to balance plant growth with nutrient requirements for humans. Here, we summarize the major progress about vitamin biosynthesis and its response to the changing environment. We discuss the interactions among vitamins as well as possible strategies for vitamin Biofortification. Finally, we propose to integrate new breeding technologies with metabolic pathway modification to facilitate the Biofortification of crops, thereby alleviating the hidden hunger of target populations.
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Toward Eradication of B-Vitamin Deficiencies: Considerations for Crop Biofortification
Frontiers in Plant Science, 2018Co-Authors: Simon Strobbe, Dominique Van Der StraetenAbstract:‘Hidden hunger’ involves insufficient intake of micronutrients and is estimated to affect over two billion people on a global scale. Malnutrition of vitamins and minerals is known to cause an alarming number of casualties, even in the developed world. Many staple crops, although serving as the main dietary component for large population groups, deliver inadequate amounts of micronutrients. Biofortification, the augmentation of natural micronutrient levels in crop products through breeding or genetic engineering, is a pivotal tool in the fight against micronutrient malnutrition (MNM). Although these approaches have shown to be successful in several species, a more extensive knowledge of plant metabolism and function of these micronutrients is required to refine and improve Biofortification strategies. This review focuses on the relevant B vitamins (B1, B6 and B9). First, the role of these vitamins in plant physiology is elaborated, as well their biosynthesis. Second, the rationale behind vitamin Biofortification is illustrated in view of pathophysiology and epidemiology of the deficiency. Furthermore, advances in Biofortification, via metabolic engineering or breeding, are presented. Finally, considerations on B-vitamin multi-biofortified crops are raised, comprising the possible interplay of these vitamins in planta.
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folate Biofortification in food crops
Current Opinion in Biotechnology, 2017Co-Authors: Simon Strobbe, Dominique Van Der StraetenAbstract:Folates are essential vitamins in the human diet. Folate deficiency is still very common, provoking disorders such as birth defects and anemia. Biofortification via metabolic engineering is a proven powerful means to alleviate folate malnutrition. A variety of metabolic engineering approaches have been successfully implemented in different crops and tissues. Furthermore, ensuring folate stability is crucial for long-term storage of crop products. However, the current strategies, shown to be successful in rice and tomato, will need to be fine-tuned to enable adequate Biofortification of other staples such as potato, wheat and cassava. Thus, there is a need to overcome remaining hurdles in folate Biofortification. Overall, Biofortification, via breeding or metabolic engineering, will be imperative to effectively combat folate deficiency.
-
improving folate vitamin b9 stability in biofortified rice through metabolic engineering
Nature Biotechnology, 2015Co-Authors: Dieter Blancquaert, Simon Strobbe, Xavier Gellynck, Hans De Steur, Jeroen Van Daele, Filip Kiekens, Sergei Storozhenko, Willy E Lambert, Christophe P Stove, Dominique Van Der StraetenAbstract:Biofortification of staple crops could help to alleviate micronutrient deficiencies in humans. We show that folates in stored rice grains are unstable, which reduces the potential benefits of folate Biofortification. We obtain folate concentrations that are up to 150 fold higher than those of wild-type rice by complexing folate to folate-binding proteins to improve folate stability, thereby enabling long-term storage of biofortified high-folate rice grains.