Benefits and Limitations of Non-Transgenic Micronutrient Biofortification Approaches

Abstract

Increasing the amount of micronutrients in diets across the world is crucial to improving world health. Numerous methods can accomplish this such as the biofortification of food through biotechnology, conventional breeding, and agronomic approaches. Of these, biofortification methods, conventional breeding, and agronomic approaches are currently globally accepted and, therefore, should be the primary focus of research efforts. This review synthesizes the current literature regarding the state of biofortified foods through conventional breeding and agronomic approaches for crops. Additionally, the benefits and limitations for all described approaches are discussed, allowing us to identify key areas of research that are still required to increase the efficacy of these methods. The information provided here should provide a basal knowledge for global efforts that are combating micronutrient deficiencies.

Omega-3 Fatty Acid Fortification of Flax Through Nutri-Priming

“…Additionally, in some instances, such as in corn ( Zea mays L.) ( 26 ), chickpea ( Cicer arietinum L.) ( 27 ), and wheat ( Triticum aestivum L .) ( 27 , 28 ), zinc nutri-priming increased the zinc content of seeds and seedlings ( 22 , 29 ). Yet, despite the benefits of this fortification approach, there are currently no known examples in the scientific literature of using this process to create n-3 fortified seeds and sprouts.…”

“…Nutripriming ensures micronutrient availability to the seed and has been shown to improve germination, seedling vigor, resilience, root development, and productivity in multiple crops (22)(23)(24)(25). Additionally, in some instances, such as in corn (Zea mays L.) (26), chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) (27), and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) (27,28), zinc nutri-priming increased the zinc content of seeds and seedlings (22,29). Yet, despite the benefits of this fortification approach, there are currently no known examples in the scientific literature of using this process to create n-3 fortified seeds and sprouts.…”

Assessment of Biofortification Approaches Used to Improve Micronutrient-Dense Plants That Are a Sustainable Solution to Combat Hidden Hunger

“…However, this method depends on the diversity in the genetic pool of the targeted crop. Lack of genetic diversity and low heritability prevent biofortification with traditional breeding (Marques et al 2021). Another disadvantage is that it requires a long-term comprehensive selection to introduce the function into a specific culture.…”

Monitoring of a Calcium Biofortification Workflow for Tubers of Solanum tuberosum L. cv. Picasso Using Smart Farming Technology

“…Considering the major consumption of potato all over the world, different studies of mineral enrichments have been carried out, namely, with selenium [13][14][15], zinc [16,17], iron [17], and calcium [18]. As such, biofortified food has been marketed has functional food, providing a potentially positive effect on human health [19,20]. Nevertheless, considering the new reality of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, beyond the fact that food safety has a major role in avoiding the spread of the virus between agri-food chain systems, it is expected that there will be an increase in the demand of functional foods [21].…”

“…Nevertheless, considering the new reality of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, beyond the fact that food safety has a major role in avoiding the spread of the virus between agri-food chain systems, it is expected that there will be an increase in the demand of functional foods [21]. In fact, by 2027, the global market of functional foods is expected to reach USD 309 billion [20,22].…”