Abstract
Barley (Hordeum vulgare) is one of the oldest domesticated crops used for both human and animal feed. Over the years however, its role in human diet has been very limited and replaced by the broad use of wheat products. Nowadays, micronutrient deficiency, also known as hidden hunger, is one of the major challenges to human health worldwide. Biofortification of staple crops has been broadly accepted as the best strategy to overcome these limitations. Studies on the nutritional value of barley have proven its multiple benefits on human health and drove new attention towards the cultivation under the light of new food purposes. Biofortification of barley is approached through agronomic practices, conventional breeding, and/or the use of biotechnological tools and research results show that barley can be a promising crop for the emergence of novel food products with a significant impact on human nutrition.
Highlights
Micronutrient malnutrition, known as hidden hunger, is one of the major challenges to human health in 21st century
Given the positive interaction between Zn and N, probably due to the fact that Zn soil availability may have a role in metabolic and enzymatic activity, it is proposed that even biofortified varieties still need to be fertilized to reach high grain yield standards
Climate change adaptation entails agronomic strategies shifting towards resilient crops which can tolerate stress, exhibit better adaptation to adverse climatic conditions, and can be cultivated in marginal lands without significant yield loss
Summary
Micronutrient malnutrition, known as hidden hunger, is one of the major challenges to human health in 21st century. Supplementation strategy includes the consumption of concentrated nutrient sources (minerals and vitamins) in the form of pills, capsules, tablets, or liquids, while fortification refers to the enrichment of food products with additional micronutrients during processing [4]. Biofortification of staple crops, such as grains and cereals, has gained a lot of attention over the last decades and has caused a significant shift in the direction of breeding programs. This fact is confirmed by the numerous scientific data that is available in this particular research field, as well as by the amount of publications, reviews, and books regarding biofortification of cereal crops [6] The review focuses on the recent advances regarding barley biofortification strategies, under the light of the nutritional value of the crop and its potential for further use in food industry
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