Biofortification: A Promising Way to Alleviate Malnutrition

Regular consumption of biofortified crops in developing countries where micronutrient deficiency is common has been shown to increase micronutrient intakes and thus help meet the World Health Organization's dietary recommendations. In terms of micronutrient status, most research has been conducted using provitamin A-biofortified crops (particularly orange sweet potato), with large 2 to 3 years studies indicating increases in plasma retinol, though additional studies measuring change in body stores would provide more definitive evidence. There is some evidence to suggest that iron-biofortified crops can increase iron status (measured by serum ferritin and total body iron), but further studies are required to demonstrate the efficacy of zinc-biofortified foods.