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ARS Home » Plains Area » Houston, Texas » Children's Nutrition Research Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #305262
Title: Biofortifying foods: Tripping over high hurdles

Author
item MORRIS, JAY - University Of Texas At San Antonio
item HIRSCHI, KENDAL - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC)
item YANG, JIAN - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC)

Submitted to: International Journal of Biotechnology and Food Science
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/20/2013
Publication Date: 1/9/2014
Citation: Morris, J., Hirschi, K.D., Yang, J. 2014. Biofortifying foods: Tripping over high hurdles. International Journal of Biotechnology and Food Science. 2(1):1-15.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: A lofty goal for many in agriculture is the attainment of global nutritional security. Balanced nutrition would help ensure every child an opportunity to thrive. Currently, cereal grains are used as the staple caloric source in most developing countries. Unfortunately, these grains are poor sources of essential minerals (such as iron, zinc, and calcium) and vitamin A. Various methods are now being employed to augment these nutrient levels. Proper seed selection coupled with effective soil preparation can increase nutrient levels, while biotechnology approaches have also shown significant promise. While augmenting levels of these nutrients or removing substances that inhibit absorption are important first steps, the true litmus test is whether these higher levels translate into improved absorption and enhanced bioavailability. Utilizing animal models, researchers can test the efficacy of foods before conducting the expensive and often controversial human feeding trails. In this review we go over the biofortification efforts that have been undertaken to improve iron, zinc, calcium, and vitamin A levels and to decrease antinutrient components. In addition, we discuss the research done to assess how these changes impact absorbability in humans. Lastly, we discuss the scientific and political issues surrounding implementation of these modifications.