Iodine biofortification of vegetable plants—An innovative method for iodine supplementation

Abstract

To elevate the iodine level in edible plants has been shown to be an excellent approach to correct iodine deficiency. We have proposed an innovative approach to produce iodine supplementation by growing vegetables on soils with algal-based iodized organic fertilizer. Ten species of vegetables were tested. The biological absorption and migration of the iodine within the vegetable plants were revealed using microscopy with silver iodide precipitation technique. The results show that the absorption of iodine by the vegetable increases with increasing amount of the algal-based iodized organic fertilizer in general. And the uptake of iodine by leaf vegetable is significantly greater than that by fruit vegetable. Distribution of iodine in various plant organs shows a trend of decreasing iodine concentration from root, leaf, stalk, to fruit. A similar of decreasing concentration can also be found in various cells (cytoplasm>cytoderm>organelles). The exploration of the iodine uptake and biogeochemistry migration mechanisms provides an important scientific foundation for establishing a new method of producing a natural iodine supplementation by iodine biofortification of vegetables.

Silicon biofortification of leafy vegetables and its bioaccessibility in the edible parts

“…The variation in Si accumulation among species has been attributed to differences in the uptake ability of the roots . A species‐related accumulation was also reported for other micronutrients that used the shell for biofortification . The results of the present study confirm that, to obtain Si biofortified vegetables, the choice of appropriate species is important.…”

The Iodine Content in Urine, Faeces and Selected Organs of Rats Fed Lettuce Biofortified with Iodine Through Foliar Application

“…The previously published researches showed successful results of enrichment of spinach [26, 27] lettuce [28, 29] or pakchoi [30] with iodine. Weng et al [14] reported that the leafy vegetables store more iodine in edible tissues than the fruit vegetables, which is even about 70-fold more. Because of the controllable and efficient systems for crop growing, the hydroponic cultivation makes a great possibility for biofortification with iodine [29, 31, 32].…”

“…However, it is commonly known that after foliar application of KI on the surface of leaves, I − is absorbed by leaves [46]. The I − uptake by leaves remains mainly in their cells [46, 47], primarily attributable to the cell wall and organelles [14]. Absorption of iodine with these organic structures of plant tissues can be inhibited in the human or animal organism.…”

“…In human diet, over 80 % of iodine is from vegetal foodstuffs. Almost 100 % of iodine in food is bioavailable to humans [14]. Therefore, biofortification of vegetables with iodine could be an effective way to reduce and control ID in developed and developing countries.…”

Examination of Technologies and Physical Effects for the Enrichment of Arable Land and Plants Growing on them

“…Interesting considered in the work of Weng Y.X., Hong C. L., Xia T.H., Bao L.T., Liu H.P. and Ki D.W. technology for enriching plants with iodine using seaweed containing the organic form of a microelement as fertilizers (Weng et al 2013). We believe that this direction should be considered for implementation in the conditions of coastal marine territories of the North of Russia.…”