Biofortification: an approach to eradicate micronutrient deficiency

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Human Nutrition
• Public Health

Background:

• Micronutrient deficiency, termed "hidden hunger," affects global health, particularly in developing nations with limited dietary diversity.
• Key deficiencies include iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), iodine (I), and selenium (Se), impacting growth, development, and overall well-being.
• Micronutrient supplementation gained attention during the Covid-19 pandemic for its potential immune-supportive role.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore biofortification as a sustainable strategy to address widespread micronutrient deficiencies.
• To review agricultural techniques for enhancing nutrient content in staple food crops.
• To differentiate between short-term and long-term solutions for improving micronutrient intake.

Main Methods:

• Discussed selective breeding to increase nutrient levels in crops.
• Examined the agronomic approach using fertilizers for enhanced nutrient uptake.
• Considered transgenic approaches for crop biofortification.

Main Results:

• Biofortification aims to increase essential vitamins and minerals in staple crops for affected populations.
• Agronomic approaches provide rapid, temporary nutrient boosts.
• Genetic approaches, including breeding and transgenic methods, offer long-term solutions but require development time.

Conclusions:

• Biofortification is a key strategy to combat hidden hunger by enriching staple crops.
• Both agronomic and genetic methods play roles, with genetic approaches offering sustainable, long-term benefits.
• Addressing micronutrient deficiencies requires diverse strategies, including crop enhancement.