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Hidden Hunger: Why do 2 billion people worldwide face micronutrient deficiencies?
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 2 billion people worldwide suffer from micronutrient deficiencies, a phenomenon known as "hidden hunger." In this case, although some people can get enough calories, they are still deficient in important trace elements such as vitamin A, zinc and iron. This situation is particularly common in low- and middle-income countries, where residents tend to rely on staple foods such as rice, wheat, and corn, which have relatively low nutritional value.
“Hidden hunger affects billions of people, causing myopia, weakened immune systems, stunted growth and other health problems.”
The Prospects of Biofortification
Biofortification is a method of improving the nutritional value of crops through selective breeding or genetic engineering. Unlike traditional processed fortification, biofortification focuses on enhancing the nutritional content of plants during the growing process and is particularly important for the rural poor, who often lack access to commercially fortified foods. It is estimated that biofortification could help 200 million people worldwide overcome the problem of iron deficiency anaemia, which is not only a health issue but also an important component of food security.
"With the development of traditional breeding technology, the nutritional value of crops is gradually improving."
Methodology
Selective breeding is a major method of biofortification. In this approach, plant breeders look for crop varieties that have natural nutritional advantages and then cross them with high-yielding varieties to create seeds with higher nutritional value. These crops must ensure adequate levels of nutrients to have a meaningful impact on human health. Nutritionists therefore play a vital role in studying whether consumers of improved crops can effectively absorb the increased nutrients and to what extent storage, processing and cooking affect the nutritional profile of crops.
Applications of Bioaugmentation
Low-middle income countries
Micronutrient deficiencies are widespread in low- and middle-income countries, affecting billions of people. The decline in gifts during this period may lead to health problems such as impaired vision, weakened immune system, and weight changes. To address this problem, the development of biofortified crops provides a new solution. For example, in a trial in Mozambique, sweet potatoes rich in beta-carotene helped reduce vitamin A deficiency by 24%.
"This approach not only shows potential in improving health, but is also a relatively cost-effective option from an economic perspective."
High-income countries
In high-income countries, such as the UK, research is underway to increase the selenium content of cereals. The goal of these studies is to develop selenium-fortified cereals that can be used in bread making.
Challenges and Criticisms
Although biofortification appears promising, it faces many challenges. Some people have a negative attitude towards genetically modified foods, including biofortified foods such as Golden Rice. Such crops with micronutrients may face consumer resistance if they look noticeably different from their non-fortified counterparts. For example, foods high in vitamin A are often dark yellow or orange in color, which in some cultures may be associated with animal feed or relief food.
"Food that changes its appearance can still maintain consumer acceptance if it is accepted by the public."
Total solution from agriculture to food
The challenge is that biofortification should not be the only solution. Some critics point out that this could lead to further dietary simplification, continued reliance on a few staple foods and neglect of the importance of dietary diversity. This reliance on specific crops could lead to a more monotonous diet, ultimately exacerbating malnutrition. Therefore, many experts advocate that biofortification should be part of a longer-term strategy that includes the diversification of agricultural products.
"Biofortification can be considered an effective strategy to reduce micronutrient deficiencies, but it needs to be accompanied by the establishment of dietary diversity in the long term."
With hidden hunger around the world, should we rethink our agricultural production and diets to improve everyone’s access to nutrition?
