Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026
06:34
The Caco-2 Cell Bioassay for Measurement of Food Iron Bioavailability
Published on: April 28, 2022
Biofortification for combating 'hidden hunger' for iron.
Irene Murgia1, Paolo Arosio, Delia Tarantino
1Sezione di Fisiologia e Biochimica delle Piante, Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 26, 20133 Milano, Italy. irene.murgia@unimi.it
Trends in Plant Science
|November 19, 2011
Summary
Biofortification enhances crops with iron and prebiotics to combat hidden undernutrition. Reducing phytic acid may be less beneficial in certain populations, requiring careful consideration of iron supplementation risks.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Agricultural Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Micronutrient deficiencies, termed 'hidden undernutrition', pose significant health risks.
- Iron deficiency specifically impairs growth, immunity, and causes anemia.
- Iron supplementation carries risks, necessitating careful risk-benefit evaluations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review crop biofortification strategies for reducing iron deficiency.
- To assess the impact of biofortification in light of current nutritional and medical knowledge.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of biofortification approaches.
- Analysis of nutritional and medical advances related to iron deficiency and supplementation.
Main Results:
- Biofortification can increase iron and prebiotic content in edible crops.
- Reducing phytic acid in staple crops may have varied health implications globally.
Conclusions:
- Biofortification offers a promising strategy to improve iron status and combat hidden undernutrition.
- The reduction of phytic acid may not be universally beneficial and requires context-specific assessment.
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