Potential nutritional contribution of quality protein maize: A close‐up on children in poor communities*

Abstract

Through the discovery of opaque‐2 maize with improved amino acid profile and the continuous efforts to improve its kernel quality and cultivation characteristics, Quality Protein Maize (QPM) evolved with the goal of replacing common maize and improving the protein quality of maize‐centered diets, especially those of children. The nutritional benefits of QPM, however, have been questioned based on the notion that even in poor communities, the amino acid deficiencies in maize are nearly always made up by other foods consumed along with it. An extension of this argument is that protein intakes of the maize‐consuming populations are adequate and high quality protein varieties are not needed. This position, even though correct in describing the status of many poor populations that are relatively “better‐off”, is contestable for the “worse‐off” with limited access to high quality protein foods. An argument is presented that there exist poor, high maize‐consuming populations that are at risk of protein inadequacy and would benefit from QPM.