Search Results (9)

Background: Nigeria has one of the highest prevalences of micronutrient deficiencies (MNDs) globally. Biofortification is a sustainable and cost-effective intervention to reduce MNDs. We investigated the current availability, affordability, individual perceptions and preferences regarding biofortified crops in three states in Nigeria (Enugu, Ogun and Kaduna). We investigated potential dietary quality improvements by modifying standardized school meals with biofortified crops. Methods: We conducted a field market survey, key informant interviews and a simulation study. The availability and prices of biofortified crops from 36 preselected markets were systematically recorded. Consumers and sellers were interviewed regarding their awareness of and preferences for biofortified crops. The inclusion of biofortified foods in weekly school meals was simulated to evaluate dietary quality improvements and costs. Three key informant interviews were conducted to understand the scalability of biofortified crops. Qualitative and quantitative techniques were employed in the data analysis. Results: Overall, 39% (total of n = 730) of the recorded crops were identified as biofortified. Biofortified cassava, sweet potatoes and millet were more expensive compared to non-biofortified equivalents. Moreover, 30% (total of n = 730) of the consumers could visually differentiate between the crops, 14% were aware that they were biofortified and 10% preferred biofortified options. The inclusion of biofortified foods in traditional school meals led to higher levels of vitamin A, zinc and iron. The key informant interviews highlighted that scaling biofortification is challenging, requiring individual behavioral change, significant investments in educational campaigns and improvements in supply and demand. Conclusions: The current state of biofortification has limited reach due to limited availability, affordability and consumer preferences. Full article

Micronutrient deficiencies affect over three billion people globally; there is a particularly severe problem with iron and zinc nutrition in developing countries. While several strategies exist to combat these deficiencies, biofortification has emerged as a powerful and sustainable approach to enhance the nutritional value of staple crops. This review examines recent advances in crop biofortification and their potential to address global nutritional challenges. We present successful case studies including iron-enriched cassava, nutrient-enhanced tomatoes, and omega-3-fortified oilseed crops, demonstrating the diverse possibilities for improving nutritional outcomes. The integration of novel plant-based protein production techniques has further expanded opportunities for sustainable nutrition. However, significant challenges remain, including complex environmental interactions, regulatory considerations, and sociocultural barriers to adoption. Economic analyses suggest biofortification offers substantial return on investment, with every dollar invested generating up to seventeen dollars in benefits through reduced disease burden. As global food security challenges intensify due to climate change, biofortified crops represent a crucial tool for improving nutritional outcomes, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. We conclude by examining emerging opportunities and future directions in this rapidly evolving field. Full article

A validated marker system is crucial to running an effective genomics-assisted breeding program. We used 36 Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) markers to genotype 376 clones from the biofortified cassava pipeline, and fingerprinted 93 of these clones with DArTseq markers to characterize breeding materials and evaluate their relationships. The discriminating ability of the 36-quality control (QC) KASP and 6602 DArTseq markers was assessed using 92 clones genotyped in both assays. In addition, trait-specific markers were used to determine the presence or absence of target genomic regions. Hierarchical clustering identified two major groups, and the clusters were consistent with the breeding program origins. There was moderate genetic differentiation and a low degree of variation between the identified groups. The general structure of the population was similar using both assays. Nevertheless, KASP markers had poor resolution when it came to differentiating the genotypes by seed sources and overestimated the prevalence of duplicates. The trait-linked markers did not achieve optimal performance as all markers displayed variable levels of false positive and/or false negative. These findings represent the initial step in the application of genomics-assisted breeding for the biofortified cassava pipeline, and will guide the use of genomic selection in the future. Full article

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a crucial staple food in South America, providing starchy storage roots that contribute to the sustenance of millions. To address deficiencies in iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se), a global initiative is underway to identify plant species and genotypes that naturally accumulate these nutrients for human consumption, such as cassava. In this way, this study aims to identify potential cassava genotypes for biofortification in Fe, Zn, and Se, while also improving the overall cassava yield. We evaluated the accumulation potential of Fe, Zn, and Se in 20 South American cassava genotypes under traditional growing conditions, concurrently examining their photosynthetic and growth characteristics. Cassava roots exhibited Zn content ranging from 3.20 to 8.56 mg kg⁻¹, Fe content from 2.20 to 10.73 mg kg⁻¹, and Se content from 1.20 to 9.43 µg kg⁻¹ (expressed on a dry basis). Genotypes MS018, DG014, and DG839 emerged as promising candidates for biofortification programs, displaying elevated levels of Fe, Zn, and Se, coupled with superior photosynthetic capacity. These genotypes, recommended for biofortification programs, also demonstrated increased yield potential. The findings from this study contribute to the development of cassava genotypes with enhanced agronomic biofortification and elevated yield potential. Full article

Micronutrient malnutrition is a global health challenge affecting almost half of the global population, causing poor physical and mental development of children and a wide range of illnesses. It is most prevalent in young girls, women, and pre-school children who are suffering particularly from the low consumption of vitamins and micronutrients. Given this global challenge, biofortification has proven to be a promising and economical approach to increase the concentration of essential micronutrients in edible portions of staple crops. Produce quality and micronutrient content can be further enhanced with the use of micronutrient fertilizers. Especially developing countries with a high percentage of malnourished populations are attracted to this integrated biofortification, combining modern agronomic interventions and genetic improvement of food crops. Consequently, maize, rice, wheat, beans, pearl millet, sweet potato, and cassava have all been biofortified with increased concentrations of Fe, Zn, or provitamin A in various developing countries. Today, there are several large-scale success stories in Africa and Asia that support the research and development of biofortified crops. In this review, we summarized what has been achieved to date and how edible crops can be further improved by integrating agronomic and genetic strategies to upgrade the nutritional status of children and adults around the world. Full article

Vitamin A deficiency is a major health risk for infants and children in low- and middle-income countries. This scoping review identified, quantified, and mapped research for use in updating nutrient requirements and upper limits for vitamin A in children aged 0 to 48 months, using health-based or modelling-based approaches. Structured searches were run on Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central, from inception to 19 March 2021. Titles and abstracts were assessed independently in duplicate, as were 20% of full texts. Included studies were tabulated by question, methodology and date, with the most relevant data extracted and assessed for risk of bias. We found that the most recent health-based systematic reviews and trials assessed the effects of supplementation, though some addressed the effects of staple food fortification, complementary foods, biofortified maize or cassava, and fortified drinks, on health outcomes. Recent isotopic tracer studies and modelling approaches may help quantify the effects of bio-fortification, fortification, and food-based approaches for increasing vitamin A depots. A systematic review and several trials identified adverse events associated with higher vitamin A intakes, which should be useful for setting upper limits. We have generated and provide a database of relevant research. Full systematic reviews, based on this scoping review, are needed to answer specific questions to set vitamin A requirements and upper limits. Full article

Biofortified yellow-fleshed cassava is important in countries with high cassava consumption, to improve the vitamin A status of their populations. Yellow- and white-fleshed cassava were evaluated over three locations for proximate composition and cyanide content as well as retention of carotenoids after boiling. There was significant variation in the crude fiber, fat, protein and ash content of the genotypes. All but one of the yellow-fleshed cassava genotypes recorded higher protein values than the white-fleshed local genotypes across locations. The cyanide content of the genotypes varied between locations but was within the range of sweet cassava genotypes, but above the maximum acceptable recommended limit. Micronutrient retention is important in biofortified crops because a loss of micronutrients during processing and cooking reduces the nutritional value of biofortified foods. Total carotenoid content (TCC) ranged from 1.18–18.81 μg.g⁻¹ and 1.01–13.36 μg.g⁻¹ (fresh weight basis) for fresh and boiled cassava, respectively. All the yellow-fleshed cassava genotypes recorded higher TCC values in both the fresh and boiled state than the white-fleshed genotypes used as checks. Full article

The prevalence of vitamin A deficiency in sub-Saharan Africa necessitates effective approaches to improve provitamin A content of major staple crops. Cassava holds much promise for food security in sub-Saharan Africa, but a negative correlation between β-carotene, a provitamin A carotenoid, and dry matter content has been reported, which poses a challenge to cassava biofortification by conventional breeding. To identify suitable material for genetic transformation in tissue culture with the overall aim to increase β-carotene and maintain starch content as well as better understand carotenoid composition, root and leaf tissues from thirteen field-grown cassava landraces were analyzed for agronomic traits, carotenoid, chlorophyll, and starch content. The expression of five genes related to carotenoid biosynthesis were determined in selected landraces. Analysis revealed a weak negative correlation between starch and β-carotene content, whereas there was a strong positive correlation between root yield and many carotenoids including β-carotene. Carotenoid synthesis genes were expressed in both white and yellow cassava roots, but phytoene synthase 2 (PSY2), lycopene-ε-cyclase (LCYε), and β-carotenoid hydroxylase (CHYβ) expression were generally higher in yellow roots. This study identified lines with reasonably high content of starch and β-carotene that could be candidates for biofortification by further breeding or plant biotechnological means. Full article

Inadequate eating habits, among other factors, lead to nutritional deficiencies worldwide. Attempts have been made to control micronutrient deficits, such as biofortification of usually consumed crops, but the interaction between food components may affect the bioavailability of the nutrients. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of pro-vitamin A on the bioavailability of iron in biofortified cowpea and cassava mixture, compared to their conventional counterparts. The chemical composition of the raw material was determined, and an in vivo study was performed, with Wistar rats, using the depletion-repletion method. Gene expression of iron-metabolism proteins was evaluated. Results were compared by analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by the Tukey test (p < 0.05). Biofortified cowpea (BRS Aracê) showed an increase of approximately 19.5% in iron content compared to conventional (BRS Nova era). No difference in Hemoglobin gain was observed between groups. However, the animals fed biofortified cowpea were similar to ferrous sulfate (Control group) regarding the expression of the hephaestin and ferroportin proteins, suggesting a greater efficiency in the intestinal absorption of iron. Thus, this study points out a higher efficiency of the biofortified cowpea in the bioavailability of iron, regardless of the presence of pro-vitamin A. Full article