Genetically Modified Rice with Health Benefits as a Means to Reduce Micronutrient Malnutrition

Abstract

SummaryMicronutrient malnutrition, characterized by insufficient intake levels of vitamins and minerals, is a major public health problem that affects about 2 billion people worldwide. In order to reduce the burden of this 'hidden hunger', biofortification is more and more advocated as an alternative to the current micronutrient interventions. Through the enhancement of the micronutrient level of staple crops, it could address micronutrient malnutrition where the need is highest. Because staple crops are characterized by low micronutrient concentrations, genetic breeding techniques are often applied to increase specific vitamin levels, such as folate and pro-vitamin A. This study sheds a light on the global status of micronutrient malnutrition, biofortification and GM biofortified rice as both a GM food product with health benefits and a micronutrient intervention. Thereby, key consumer preference studies and cost-effectiveness analyses on Folate Biofortified Rice and Golden Rice are presented. Support is found for GM biofortified rice as a well-accepted GM food crop and a highly cost-effective health intervention.

Effectiveness of Bio-Activated Zinc Coated Urea (Engro Zabardast Urea) for Growth, Yield, and Biochemical Parameters of Rice Crop (Oryza sativa L.)

“…The results showed increased Zn content in the grain where EZU was applied. It ultimately resulted in the bio fortification of the grains as proved by many scientists in various studies (De Steur et al, 2014). Jiang et al (2008) stated that the application of Zn increased the movement of Zn to leaves during the vegetative growth which later on allocated to the grains which are metabolically active sinks of the plant.…”