Improving nutrition through biofortification–A systematic review

Abstract

Nutritious foods are essential for human health and development. However, malnutrition and hidden hunger continue to be a challenge globally. In most developing countries, access to adequate and nutritious food continues to be a challenge. Although hidden hunger is less prevalent in developed countries compared to developing countries where iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) deficiencies are common. The United Nations (UN) 2nd Sustainable Development Goal was set to eradicate malnutrition and hidden hunger. Hidden hunger has led to numerous cases of infant and maternal mortalities, and has greatly impacted growth, development, cognitive ability, and physical working capacity. This has influenced several countries to develop interventions that could help combat malnutrition and hidden hunger. Interventions such as dietary diversification and food supplementation are being adopted. However, fortification but mainly biofortification has been projected to be the most sustainable solution to malnutrition and hidden hunger. Plant-based foods (PBFs) form a greater proportion of diets in certain populations; hence, fortification of PBFs is relevant in combating malnutrition and hidden hunger. Agronomic biofortification, plant breeding, and transgenic approaches are some currently used strategies in food crops. Crops such as cereals, legumes, oilseeds, vegetables, and fruits have been biofortified through all these three strategies. The transgenic approach is sustainable, efficient, and rapid, making it suitable for biofortification programs. Omics technology has also been introduced to improve the efficiency of the transgenic approach.

A review of the dietary diversity and micronutrient adequacy among the women of reproductive age in low‐ and middle‐income countries

“…Supplementation of IFA and multiple micronutrients to the women during preconception and conception could be another approach to combat the situation where requires. Biofortification of plan‐based foods with desirable micronutrients could be an effective approach in combating inadequacy of dietary micronutrients and subsequent micronutrient deficiency‐related malnutrition in LMICs (Ofori et al., 2022).…”

Maize gets an iron boost: Biofortification breakthrough holds promise to combat iron deficiency

“…Iron‐dense biofortified crops could amplify the protective effects of iron supplements frequently used to target high‐risk groups. Combining solutions tailored to regional contexts could accelerate progress against iron deficiency (Ofori et al, 2022). Nonetheless, these discoveries represent a major step toward addressing the longstanding challenge of iron deficiency and nutritional security in sub‐Saharan Africa (Sahu and Liu, 2023; Yan et al, 2023).…”

“…Nonetheless, these discoveries represent a major step toward addressing the longstanding challenge of iron deficiency and nutritional security in sub‐Saharan Africa (Sahu and Liu, 2023; Yan et al, 2023). Through further development, farmer adoption of iron‐enriched maize cultivars could significantly alleviate malnutrition for millions of people in the developing world (Ofori et al, 2022; Huey et al, 2023). This research highlights the immense potential of biofortification to improve nutrition and health among those dependent on nutrient‐poor staple crops.…”

Current trends in nano-delivery systems for functional foods: a systematic review

“…Currently about two billion people globally are subjects of hidden hunger due to micronutrient deficiencies ( Ofori et al, 2022 ). Siwela et al (2020) reported that children under the age of five have a 43.6% and 11% incidence of iron and vitamin A deficiency, respectively, while children aged one to nine have a 45.3% risk of zinc deficiency.…”