Search Results (116)

Agronomic biofortification represents an effective strategy to counteract hidden hunger in humans. Salts and synthetic chelates are widely used as foliar or root applications for enriching vegetables with mineral nutrients. Recently, biochelates have been proposed as a sustainable alternative to synthetic chelates, especially peptide-based biochelates that combine the beneficial role of peptides as biostimulants and chelating agents. This study investigated the impact of multiple foliar applications of two peptide-based biochelates for enhancing Fe and Zn in leaves of hydroponically grown lettuce. No significant differences were observed in the fresh and dry weight of lettuce shoots, leaf pigments, leaf antioxidant activity and leaf macronutrient profile, while a significant increase in biochelate treatments was observed in leaf Fe and Zn concentrations in comparison with untreated control (+38.1% and +44.1%, respectively). Leaf concentration of Fe and Zn in biochelate treatments allowed to estimate that 100 g of biofortified fresh lettuce shoots per day in the human diet can contribute to Population Reference Intake from 7.9 to 11.5% for Fe and from 3.3 to 3.9% for Zn. Moreover, Zn-peptide treatments reduced nitrate concentration with respect to control and Fe-peptide (−9% and −11%, respectively), increasing the quality of lettuce leaves. Overall, peptide-based biochelates proved to be a promising, environmentally friendly fertilizer for lettuce biofortification, enhancing Fe and Zn concentration without impairing yield and leaf quality. Full article

Background/Objectives: The obesity epidemic coexists with the phenomenon of “hidden hunger” (Type B malnutrition)—a micronutrient deficiency amidst a caloric excess. Traditional dietary assessment methods often distort the actual picture by ignoring technological losses during cooking, which necessitates the use of digital tools. Methods: A cross-sectional study (N = 3267) was conducted using the digital platform “NIAP”. The analysis was based on valid 3–7-day dietary records with algorithmic accounting for nutrient retention factors during thermal processing. The nutrient profiles of individuals with a normal body mass index (BMI) and obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) were compared. Results: The epidemiology of intake shortfalls was highly prevalent and pronounced: 99.9% of the cohort had ≥1 inadequacy (with a mean negative deviation of −77.3% for vitamin D and −59.2% for Omega-3), and 61.5% exhibited ≥10 simultaneous multiple intake shortfalls. These inadequacy rates remained robust in a sensitivity analysis excluding under-reporters. The obesity group consumed significantly more energy, saturated fatty acids, added sugars, cholesterol, and sodium, but demonstrated a lower relative macronutrient intake (g/kg of body weight). Absolute fiber intake did not differ between the groups, indicating a decrease in its density per 1000 kcal in the diet of individuals with obesity; the intake of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) showed a downward trend. The Na:K ratio was significantly higher in the obesity group (1.19 vs. 1.04, p < 0.001). Correlation analysis confirmed an inverse relationship between BMI and the overall nutrient density of the diet. Conclusions: A high-energy diet does not compensate for systemic micronutrient inadequacy among the evaluated cohort. Obesity is associated with a dietary imbalance favoring “empty calories” and pro-inflammatory components against a background of severe multiple dietary inadequacies. The integration of algorithmic dietary assessment that accounts for cooking losses is critical for objective diagnosis and personalized nutritional intervention. Full article

Hidden hunger and grassland degradation represent interconnected governance challenges in northern China’s pastoral areas. Nutrition-sensitive agriculture (NSA) has been conceptualised largely around crop-based systems, with limited attention to grassland grazing systems, where nutritional value is shaped by ecology, feeding practices, seasonality, local knowledge, and market institutions. Drawing on five rounds of fieldwork (2019–2025) across meadow, typical, and desert steppes in Inner Mongolia, this study employs a multi-case comparative design involving 92 semi-structured interviews, 58 policy documents, and long-term observations. Using reflexive thematic analysis, we develop an ecology–nutrition synergy framework to explain local practices and institutional constraints in nutrition-sensitive livestock farming. Three pathways are identified: grass–livestock nutritional balancing, scientific valorisation of native forage, and market experimentation linking ecological origin to nutritional quality. These pathways operate through three mechanisms: ecological mediation of nutritional quality, endogenous quality fluctuation as an inherent feature, and scientific codification of traditional pastoral knowledge. Four structural dilemmas constrain scaling: incompatibility between natural quality fluctuation and industrial standardisation; absence of institutional trust in nutritional premiums; short-term trade-offs between stocking control and nutritional enhancement; and fragmented cross-sectoral governance. The study extends NSA to grassland systems and offers a framework for integrating ecological protection, livestock quality, and nutrition-oriented governance in arid and semi-arid rangelands. Three theoretical contributions are advanced: (i) extending NSA’s conceptual boundary from cropping systems to natural grassland pastoral systems; (ii) embedding a nutrition-output dimension within Ostrom’s SES framework, thereby creating a triple-nested ecology–nutrition synergy framework; and (iii) specifying three grazing-system-specific mechanisms that distinguish grassland livestock systems from both crop-based and confined animal production systems. Full article

Climate change is emerging not only as a threat to global food production but also as a major driver of declining nutritional quality in food crops. Throughout this review, terms such as nutrient decline, imbalance, and nutritional quality changes are used to describe relative changes in the nutritional attributes of edible crop tissues, as reported in the source studies. Elevated atmospheric CO₂, altered rainfall patterns, shifts in solar radiation, and rising temperatures influence soil processes, plant metabolism, and genotype × environment interactions that determine nutrient composition and density. Evidence from controlled experiments, free-air CO₂ enrichment (FACE) studies, field trials, and meta-analyses suggests a recurrent tendency toward reduced concentrations of essential macronutrients and micronutrients, including protein, iron, zinc, and selected B-vitamins in a range of cereals, legumes, and horticultural crops, while responses remain context-dependent and are not universally observed across all nutrients, cultivars, or production systems. These reductions raise serious concerns for populations already experiencing widespread micronutrient deficiencies. This review synthesizes the current knowledge on the extent and mechanisms of climate-driven nutrient decline across major crops, highlighting variability among species, cultivars, and production environments. We also evaluate the potential health consequences, particularly heightened risks of anemia, impaired immunity, developmental challenges, and other deficiency-related disorders. Regions such as South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa are identified as highly vulnerable due to their strong dependence on nutrient-poor staples and existing burdens of hidden hunger. Furthermore, we assess key mitigation and adaptation pathways, including agronomic innovations, climate-smart agricultural practices, biofortification, advanced breeding strategies, and the emerging use of microbial and cyanobacterial biostimulants to enhance nutritional resilience in cropping systems. Finally, this review provides an integrated synthesis of climate-induced nutrient decline, its health implications for vulnerable populations, and priority actions needed to protect global food and nutrition security in the face of accelerating climate change. Full article

This review examines the potential impact of potato biofortification on boosting climate resilience and enhancing the nutritional content of potato tubers to combat hidden hunger. It also explores future possibilities for biofortified potatoes as a food source during space travel or colonization. Widespread mineral deficiencies are prevalent globally, particularly in developing countries. Additionally, climate change could adversely affect potato production and soil nutrient absorption. In this context, developing breeding methods to develop cultivars that respond better to biofortification amid climate change is essential. These cultivars may be physiologically efficient at absorbing and transporting minerals into tubers. The review covers various approaches, including identifying germplasm accessions with enhanced micronutrient storage, understanding mechanisms of micronutrient uptake and translocation, and pinpointing genes related to micronutrient, oligopeptide transport, and ligands. It also discusses in vitro selection and screening of calli with improved capacity for micronutrient absorption and transport. Full article

Biofortification of wheat with anthocyanins is a strategy for solving the problem of “hidden hunger” and preventing chronic diseases. In this study, the blue aleurone trititrigia line ‘Istra 116’ is characterized as a new genetic resource for wheat breeding. Field and laboratory assessments (the years 2021–2024) compared its characteristics with the commercial trititrigia variety in ‘Pamyati Lyubimovoy’ and wheat varieties (Triticum aestivum L.). ‘Istra 116’ showed excellent agronomic qualities: a higher coefficient of productive tillering (1.93 versus 1.2), longer spikes (up to 17.5 cm) and grain yield (4.2 t/ha), exceeding the control for trititrigia (2.6 t/ha) and comparable to winter wheat (4.5 t/ha). A laboratory baking assessment confirmed its satisfactory quality (overall score 4.5/5). The blue pigment from the aleurone layer partially passed into the flour, giving the bread a darker crust but retaining the anthocyanins in the finished product. The results position ‘Istra 116’ as a dual-purpose genetic resource: a potential commercial biofortified crop and a valuable donor of the blue aleurone layer trait for traditional wheat breeding, offering a practical way to increase the nutritional value of basic foodstuffs. Full article

In the current context of accelerating global warming, it is urgent to speed up actions to adapt to this problem. About one third of agri-food products are lost or underused, thus contributing further and unnecessarily to greenhouse gas emissions. This is a narrative review, based on exhaustive analysis of the literature dealing with the mechanisms, incidence, and historical aspects of hidden hunger, as well as technical and operational tools to fight it. The review gives an overview of the current situation regarding micronutrient deficiencies, called hidden hunger, in five minerals (iron, calcium, zinc, iodine, and selenium), and two vitamins (A and D), as well as a picture of overall mitigation actions and outcomes. Then, it gives a picture of available solutions regarding the raw material and the tools and methodologies currently used for agri-food waste valorization, with a focus on aquatic foodstuffs. Finally, a proposal for the use of agri-food waste to fight hidden hunger, food insecurity, and beyond, is advanced. Full article

Inadequate intake of Fe and Zn is prevalent in a large part of the world’s population, and agronomic biofortification has been a strategy to improve the nutritional quality of food and, consequently, the nutrient intake by people. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of Fe and Zn concentrations in the nutrient solution on the morphophysiological traits, nutritional quality, and biofortification of two cultivars of baby leaf lettuce in a deep water technique hydroponic system. Two experiments were conducted, one with ‘Vanda’ lettuce (green) and the other with ‘Luminosa’ lettuce (reddish). Six treatments were evaluated, in a 3 × 2 factorial scheme, corresponding to the concentrations of Fe (2.0, 4.0, and 8.0 mg L⁻¹) and Zn (0.06 and 0.24 mg L⁻¹), with four replicates. ‘Vanda’ proved to be more productive, while ‘Luminosa’ has a higher nutraceutical value. The growth traits, yield, and leaf contents of carotenoids and anthocyanins of both cultivars were not influenced by the increase in Fe and Zn concentrations in the nutrient solution. There was a 25% and a 33% increase in the content of phenolic compounds in ‘Vanda’ and ‘Luminosa’, respectively, when the Fe concentration increased from 2 to 8 mg L⁻¹. The Fe content in ‘Vanda’ was influenced only by the Fe concentration in the nutrient solution and increased by 13% between 2 and 8 mg L⁻¹ of Fe. For ‘Luminosa’, there was an interaction, but the highest Fe contents in the shoot were observed with 8 mg L⁻¹ of Fe, which were 24 and 38% higher than those obtained with 2 mg L⁻¹ of Fe at Zn concentrations of 0.06 and 0.24 mg L⁻¹, respectively. The study showed the importance of evaluating the biofortification for cultivars. While ‘Vanda’ baby leaf was biofortified only with Fe, ‘Luminosa’ was biofortified with both micronutrients. Full article

Micronutrient malnutrition persists as a global health burden, while conventional biofortification approaches suffer from low efficiency and environmental trade-offs. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a foliar-applied selenium–zinc nanocomposite (Nano-ZSe, a mixture of zinc ionic fertilizer and nano selenium) for synergistic Se/Zn co-biofortification in Brassica chinensis L., using a controlled pot experiment that integrated physiological, metabolic, molecular, and rhizosphere analyses. Application of Nano-ZSe at 0.18 mg·kg⁻¹ (Based on soil weight) not only increased shoot biomass by 28.4% but also elevated Se and Zn concentrations in edible tissues by 7.00- and 1.66-fold (within the safe limits established for human consumption), respectively, compared to the control. Mechanistically, Nano-ZSe reprogrammed the ascorbate-glutathione redox system and redirected carbon flux through the tricarboxylic acid cycle, suppressing acetyl-CoA biosynthesis and reducing abscisic acid accumulation. This metabolic rewiring promoted stomatal opening, thereby enhancing foliar nutrient uptake. Simultaneously, Nano-ZSe triggered the coordinated upregulation of BcSultr1;1 (a sulfate/selenium transporter) and BcZIP4 (a Zn²⁺ transporter), enabling synchronized translocation and the tissue-level co-accumulation of Se and Zn. Beyond plant physiology, Nano-ZSe improved soil physicochemical properties, enriched rhizosphere microbial diversity, and increased crop yield and economic returns. Collectively, this work demonstrates that nano-enabled dual-nutrient delivery systems can bridge nutritional and agronomic objectives through integrated physiological, molecular, and rhizosphere-mediated mechanisms, offering a scalable and environmentally sustainable pathway toward functional food production and the mitigation of hidden hunger. Full article

Micronutrient deficiencies, also known as “hidden hunger,” remain a pervasive public health issue in low- and middle-income countries, particularly among vulnerable populations within these countries. The main drivers of these deficiencies are poverty, limited dietary diversity, weak nutritional strategies, poor health service delivery and general health access barriers. This review assesses the prevalence, drivers, and consequences of selected micronutrient deficiencies: iron, iodine, zinc, vitamin A and vitamin D, within the scope of undernutrition, food insecurity, and socioeconomic inequity. The consequences associated with these deficiencies include stunted growth, increased susceptibility to illness, poor cognitive and social functioning, and deepened poverty. The primary strategies to address these deficiencies include dietary diversification, supplement provision, biofortification, and the production of fortified foods. Barriers to progress include the high cost of food, weak healthcare infrastructure, low educational levels, and ineffective policy implementation. Integrated food systems, personalised nutrition, and innovative food technologies have the potential to address both nutritional and health inequities. Addressing barriers to safe and nutritious food and healthcare systems in order to address health inequities requires integrated, multisectoral planning and contextual policy. Improving individual health outcomes is crucial, but addressing micronutrient deficiencies has a ripple effect throughout society, enabling economic development through poverty reduction and increased productivity. Full article

Background: Pediatric obesity exemplifies the paradox of energy excess coexisting with nutritional inadequacy. Despite high caloric intake, children with obesity often display deficiencies in essential macro- and micronutrients that impair growth, metabolic regulation, and long-term health. This review critically examines the mechanisms underlying malnutrition in pediatric obesity, emphasizing the interplay between dietary quality, inflammation, microbiota alterations, and biomarker profiles, and identifies research gaps limiting precision nutrition approaches. Methods: A comprehensive narrative review of studies addressing macro- and micronutrient intake, metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers, and gut microbiota–host interactions in pediatric obesity was conducted. Evidence from both clinical and experimental models was integrated to evaluate mechanistic pathways, diagnostic criteria, and preventive strategies. Results: Obesity-related malnutrition arises from poor dietary quality, systemic inflammation, and microbiota dysbiosis, leading to impaired nutrient utilization and metabolic dysfunction. Deficiencies in vitamin D, calcium, iron, magnesium, and B vitamins are common and often coexist with macronutrient imbalances. Diets rich in saturated fats and refined carbohydrates exacerbate inflammation and metabolic risk, whereas plant-based proteins, unsaturated fats, and fiber support metabolic resilience. Precision nutrition and biomarker-guided monitoring show promise but require validation in pediatric cohorts. Evidence on microbiota modulation and nutrient–gene interactions remains inconsistent, reflecting methodological heterogeneity. Conclusions: Malnutrition in pediatric obesity should be recognized as a distinct clinical phenotype characterized by qualitative nutrient deficiency within a state of energy surplus. Addressing this paradox demands harmonized diagnostic criteria, longitudinal biomarker surveillance, and individualized dietary strategies informed by genetics and microbiome profiling. Multilevel interventions, linking clinical practice, policy, and food system reform, are essential to prevent lifelong metabolic complications and promote healthy growth trajectories. Full article

Zinc (Zn) deficiency affects over 30% of the global population, with the highest burdens in developing countries reliant on cereal-based diets. As a major dietary staple in regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America, common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) represents a promising vehicle for addressing hidden hunger. This review critically evaluates the efficacy of various strategies to enhance Zn concentration in common bean, ranging from agronomic to genetic manipulation, and proposes promising strategies for biofortifying common bean in developing countries that are resource- and technology-limited. Biofortification strategies include agronomic practices, conventional breeding, and genetic engineering, each with distinct strengths and limitations. Agronomic methods such as soil and foliar fertilization can rapidly increase micronutrient content, but they require recurrent costs and may not be sustainable for smallholders without subsidies. Genetic engineering, particularly transgenic approaches, can significantly boost Zn levels; however, regulatory hurdles, cost of production, and public acceptance remain significant obstacles to widespread adoption. Conventional breeding is secure and widely adopted, but is time-consuming and limited by genetic diversity, making it less precise and slower than genetic engineering. We argue for a context-specific and integrated biofortification framework that prioritizes agronomic interventions such as biofertilizer, seed priming, soil Zn application, and foliar Zn application as approaches for quick results. Moderate- to long-term progress towards a biofortified common bean can be achieved using conventional breeding methods by selecting for local germplasm that accumulates higher Zn amounts in grain. On the other hand, genetic engineering is best for rapid, targeted nutrient enhancement where genetic diversity is lacking, but faces regulatory and acceptance challenges. We recommend that policymakers prioritize frameworks that harmonize these approaches, improve communication and education regarding the benefits of biofortified crop produce, subsidize and strengthen biofortified seed systems, and promote soil health initiatives. Full article

Agronomic biofortification strategies have been used to increase selenium (Se) concentrations in edible parts, with broccoli cultivation showing high potential. Recent studies have demonstrated that prior application of selected elements during the seedling phase (priming) can enhance agronomic biofortification when this element is applied during the adult phase; however, no such effect has yet been reported for Se. Additionally, Se concentration in broccoli florets may be affected by post-harvest processing, thus determining losses is essential in the agronomic biofortification process. This study aimed to determine whether seedling production with priming using selenium (Se) could enhance different agronomic biofortification strategies for Se, and to evaluate the effect of post-processing on the Se concentration in broccoli. Seedlings were produced with and without priming (75 mg L⁻¹ of Se), and different application methods (soil and foliar), sources, and doses of Se were tested on Se concentration in broccoli florets. Foliar application strategies for Se were more effective than soil application for producing Se-biofortified broccoli. Seedlings produced and subjected to Se application to promote the priming effect enhanced Se absorption and increased Se concentration in broccoli florets. However, the highest Se absorption with a dry mass concentration exceeding 18 mg kg⁻¹ reduced broccoli production, except for Se applied via multi-nutrient fertilizer. Foliar fertilization strategies using 50 g of Se ha⁻¹ via multi-nutrient fertilizer, Se + organic compounds, and sodium selenate, along with the use of seedlings produced with priming and the application of 50 g of Se ha⁻¹ via multi-nutrient fertilizer using seedlings produced without priming, can provide Se amounts reaching the human dietary requirement of 60–70 µg day⁻¹, based on the adequate daily consumption of broccoli (40 g of broccoli). Different processing stages do not cause significant losses of Se in biofortified florets. Therefore, it is concluded that seedlings produced with priming combined with foliar Se applications are effective strategies for promoting agronomic biofortification of Se in broccoli florets for the human diet. Full article

The incidence of duckweed (Lemna minor L.) outbreaks in paddy fields has increased in recent years, but how it impacts rice production is still under debate. This study assessed duckweed’s effects on rice yield and quality under different fertilizer regimes: organic fertilizer (OF), chemical fertilizer (CF), a mix (one-third OF and two-thirds CF based on nitrogen content, COF), and no fertilizer (NF) as a control. For each fertilizer regime, two duckweed treatments were applied: duckweed coverage (Duckweed) and no duckweed coverage (Control). A light wet–dry alternate irrigation method was used in the experimental field. Averaged across all fertilizer treatments, duckweed coverage in paddy fields increased grain yield by 8.3%, mainly due to increased panicle density. Duckweed coverage increased chalky grain percentage by 17.0% under NF, but decreased it by 33.7% under CF, with nonsignificant changes under COF and OF conditions. Similar fertilizer-by-duckweed interactions were also found for chalkiness degree, white degree, breakdown and setback values of the starch rapid visco analyzer (RVA) profile, palatability index, and protein and amino acid concentrations. Duckweed coverage decreased protein and amino acid concentrations but improved the taste of cooked rice under NF, while the opposite trend was observed under CF. Duckweed coverage significantly decreased copper and zinc concentrations in milled rice, which may aggravate the “hidden hunger” risk for rice consumers. Full article

Anemia has been a growing concern for the pediatric population in sub-Saharan Africa. Emerging risk factors for anemia under five years of age in low-income countries are multifaceted, including infectious diseases, nutritional deficiencies, hidden hunger, and various economic determinants, and its health burdens include childhood stunting and reduced cognitive function diminished school performance in children. However, the influence of climatic factors, particularly ambient temperatures, on pediatric anemia remains understudied. In this population-based study, we assess the region-specific associations between pediatric anemia and ambient temperatures in 43 countries in Africa from 2000 to 2019. Using generalized linear regression models (upon adjusting for covariates), we found that the risk of temperatures on pediatric anemia varies across four African regions, whereby the Central and Southern African regions have a positive association between pediatric anemia and ambient temperatures, and Western and Eastern regions are negatively affected. The study aims to provide evidence to stakeholders to curtail the onset of pediatric anemia in high-risk African regions to set up key interventions based on the sustainability goals set by the World Health Organization. Full article