Zn and Fe biofortification: the right chemical environment for human bioavailability

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Nutritional Science
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) deficiencies contribute significantly to global disease burden and child mortality.
• Cereal-based diets often have low Fe and Zn bioavailability due to complex chemical interactions, primarily attributed to phytate.
• Understanding these interactions is crucial for developing effective biofortification strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the factors influencing iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) bioavailability in crops.
• To explore the role of nicotianamine in enhancing Fe and Zn content and absorption.
• To identify sustainable solutions for combating Fe and Zn deficiencies through plant biofortification.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of elemental distribution and micronutrient speciation in seeds.
• Exploration of natural variation in maize for Fe and Zn bioavailability.
• Studies involving transgenic plants engineered for enhanced nutrient content.
• Bioavailability assays to assess intestinal absorption.

Main Results:

• Evidence suggests the existence of distinct Fe and Zn pools within seeds, beyond phytate's influence.
• Natural variation in maize indicates a partial separation between phytate levels and Fe bioavailability.
• Nicotianamine emerges as a key molecule, increasing Fe and Zn loading into grains.
• Nicotianamine enhances intestinal Fe and Zn absorption.

Conclusions:

• Biofortification of crops is a sustainable approach to address Fe and Zn deficiencies.
• Nicotianamine plays a dual role in increasing grain Fe and Zn content and improving intestinal absorption.
• Further research into nicotianamine and other factors influencing micronutrient bioavailability is warranted for effective biofortification strategies.