Improvement of Rice Quality via Biofortification of Selenium, Iron, and Zinc and Its Starring Role in Human Health

Abstract

The Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) aims to support all efforts to improve the nutritional value of rice—in particular iron, zinc, selenium, vitamin A, calcium, and iodine, which are usually low in rice—particularly in rice-consuming communities. Rice biofortification with micronutrient is the only tool for reducing micronutrient malnutrition in staple foods whose edible portions in bioavailable minerals and vitamins are denser. Cereals are often the most productive but are generally low in micronutrients. In developing countries, cereals dominate the dietary system and thus appear to be the most likely reason of micronutrient deficiencies in the society. The aromatic cultivars have consistently higher concentration of iron and zinc in grain than the nonaromatic types. Zinc has multiple roles in the human body including the efficient functioning of cellular metabolic activities and stimulation of the immune system. Selenium is an essential element for human health but its intake is low. Accordingly, biofortified rice with this trace element can be prophylactic to consumers. Micronutrient deficiencies, especially those arising from selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe), pose serious human health problems for more than 2 billion people worldwide.