Scientists have developed a new type of golden lettuce that can compensate for vitamin A deficiency.
A group of researchers has developed a new combined ‘biofortification’ method that increases the naturally available beta-carotene in green plant tissue up to 30 times the normal amount.
After eating them, the human body converts beta-carotene into important vitamin A, which helps in improving immunity, growth and vision. Vitamin A helps in improving the performance of other internal organs like heart, lungs and other tissues.
In a report published in The Plant Journal, researchers wrote that micronutrient deficiencies (also known as hidden hunger) are a major problem in many countries. A deficiency in vitamin A in particular can lead to xerophthalmia and other health problems, even death.
Conventional dietary supplementation or fortification can help reduce the risks of micronutrient deficiency, but these methods are unaffordable in many cases. Biofortification (meaning the production of micronutrient-enriched crops) can be an alternative approach to address these deficiencies.
