Zinc Biofortification in Food Crops Could Alleviate the Zinc Malnutrition in Human Health

Micronutrient malnutrition is a global health issue and needs immediate attention. Over two billion people across the globe suffer from micronutrient malnutrition. The widespread zinc (Zn) deficiency in soils, poor zinc intake by humans in their diet, low bioavailability, and health consequences has...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Switzerland), 2021-06, Vol.26 (12), p.3509
Main Authors: Praharaj, Subhashisa, Skalicky, Milan, Maitra, Sagar, Bhadra, Preetha, Shankar, Tanmoy, Brestic, Marian, Hejnak, Vaclav, Vachova, Pavla, Hossain, Akbar
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Agricultural economics
agronomic biofortification
Agronomy
Bioavailability
Cereals
Chlorophyll
Corn
Crops
Dehydrogenases
Developing countries
Diet
Enzymes
Fertilization
Fertilizers
Food
genetic biofortification
Genotypes
Global health
Grain
Infections
LDCs
Low income groups
Malnutrition
Metabolism
micronutrient
Nutrient deficiency
Nutrition
Proteins
Public health
Review
Rice
Wheat
Zinc
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Summary:Micronutrient malnutrition is a global health issue and needs immediate attention. Over two billion people across the globe suffer from micronutrient malnutrition. The widespread zinc (Zn) deficiency in soils, poor zinc intake by humans in their diet, low bioavailability, and health consequences has led the research community to think of an economic as well as sustainable strategy for the alleviation of zinc deficiency. Strategies like fortification and diet supplements, though effective, are not economical and most people in low-income countries cannot afford them, and they are the most vulnerable to Zn deficiency. In this regard, the biofortification of staple food crops with Zn has been considered a useful strategy. An agronomic biofortification approach that uses crop fertilization with Zn-based fertilizers at the appropriate time to ensure grain Zn enrichment has been found to be cost-effective, easy to practice, and efficient. Genetic biofortification, though time-consuming, is also highly effective. Moreover, a Zn-rich genotype once developed can also be used for many years without any recurring cost. Hence, both agronomic and genetic biofortification can be a very useful tool in alleviating Zn deficiency.
ISSN:1420-3049
1420-3049
DOI:10.3390/molecules26123509