Improving Nutrition through Biofortification - A Systematic Review

Abstract

Food and nutrients are important for human growth and development. However, malnutrition and hidden hunger continue to be a challenge globally. In most developing countries, access to adequate food and nutrients has been a challenge. Although hidden hunger is less prevalent in developed countries compared to developing countries, iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) deficiencies are common. The 2nd Sustainable Development Goal was set to help 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 mainly biofortification has been projected to be the most sustainable solution to malnutrition and hidden hunger. Plant-based foods (PBFs) form a greater percentage of diets in certain populations hence; fortification of PBFs is relevant in combatting malnutrition and hidden hunger. Agronomic biofortification, plant breeding, and transgenic approaches are some currently used strategies in 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.