Biofortification

This is an important improvement on ordinary fortification when it comes to providing nutrients for the rural poor, who rarely have access to commercially fortified foods.

In this method, plant breeders search seed or germplasm banks for existing varieties of crops which are naturally high in nutrients.

The latest version of golden rice contains genes from a common soil bacterium Erwinia and maize, and contains increased levels of beta-carotene which can be converted by the body into vitamin A.

[8] Deficiencies of various micronutrients, including vitamin A, zinc, and iron are common in low and middle-income countries and affect billions of people.

These can lead to, amongst other symptoms, a higher incidence of blindness, a weaker immune system, stunted growth and impaired cognitive development.

Although these approaches have proven successful when dealing with the urban poor, they tend to require access to effective markets and healthcare systems which often just do not exist in rural areas.

[19] While other micronutrients such as zinc or iron can be added to crops without noticeably changing their taste or appearance,[5] some researchers emphasize the importance of ensuring that consumers do not think that their food has been altered without their authorization or knowledge.

As a result these critics urge caution, and the use of biofortification as part of a larger strategy involving diversification of foods in low and middle-income countries.