Improving iron, zinc and vitamin A nutrition through plant biotechnology

Curr Opin Biotechnol. 2002 Apr;13(2):142-5. doi: 10.1016/s0958-1669(02)00304-x.

Abstract

Recent understanding of plant metabolism has made it possible to increase the iron, zinc and beta-carotene (provitamin A) content in staple foods by both conventional plant breeding and genetic engineering. Improving the micronutrient composition of plant foods may become a sustainable strategy to combat deficiencies in human populations, replacing or complementing other strategies such as food fortification or nutrient supplementation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / prevention & control
  • Biotechnology / methods
  • Biotechnology / trends
  • Breeding / methods
  • Deficiency Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Dietetics / methods
  • Food, Genetically Modified
  • Genetic Engineering / methods
  • Genetic Testing / methods
  • Humans
  • Oryza / enzymology*
  • Oryza / genetics
  • Plants, Edible / genetics*
  • Plants, Edible / growth & development
  • Plants, Edible / metabolism
  • Plants, Genetically Modified / genetics*
  • Plants, Genetically Modified / growth & development
  • Plants, Genetically Modified / metabolism
  • Vitamin A Deficiency / prevention & control
  • Zinc / deficiency
  • beta Carotene / metabolism*

Substances

  • beta Carotene
  • Zinc