Abstract
Biofortification is the process of increasing the concentrations and/or bioavailability of micronutrients in staple crops and has the potential to mitigate micronutrient deficiencies globally. Efficacy trials have demonstrated benefits of consuming biofortified crops (BFCs); and in this paper, we report on the results of a systematic review of biofortified crops effectiveness in real-world settings. We synthesized the evidence on biofortified crops consumption through four Impact Pathways: (1) purchased directly; (2) in informal settings; (3) in formal settings; or (4) in farmer households, from their own production. Twenty-five studies, covering Impact Pathway 1 (five studies), Impact Pathway 2 (three), Impact Pathway 3 (three), Impact Pathway 4 (21) were included. The review found evidence of an improvement in micronutrient status via Impact Pathway 4 (mainly in terms of vitamin A from orange sweet potato) in controlled interventions that involved the creation of demand, the extension of agriculture and promotion of marketing. In summary, evidence supports that biofortified crops can be part of food systems interventions to reduce micronutrient deficiencies in farmer households; ongoing and future research will help fully inform their potential along the other three Impact Pathways for scaling up.
Highlights
Micronutrient deficiencies, defined as the lack of essential vitamins and minerals required in small amounts by the body for proper growth, development, and function, are widely prevalent globally and continue to be responsible for extensive morbidity and mortality [1]
Many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with a high prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies rely on staple carbohydrates and energy-rich crops such as wheat, maize, rice, sweet potato, pearl millet, lentils, beans, and cassava that are affordable yet do not provide an adequate array of micronutrients to meet human needs, when the food system transforms staples into ultra-processed foods [5]
We examined the evidence on biofortified crop consumption and its impact on micronutrient status across four Impact Pathways: (1) biofortified crops purchased directly by consumers; (2) biofortified crops given to consumers in an informal setting such as neighbor-to-neighbor dissemination or gifts; (3) biofortified crops given to consumers in a formal setting such as a school lunch program; or (4) allocated by farmers growing the biofortified crop(s) for consumption by their household
Summary
Micronutrient deficiencies, defined as the lack of essential vitamins and minerals required in small amounts by the body for proper growth, development, and function, are widely prevalent globally and continue to be responsible for extensive morbidity and mortality [1]. The burden of malnutrition, such as micronutrient deficiencies, is fueled by a food system that does not provide adequate amounts of the nutrients needed for much of the developing world. Many LMICs with a high prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies rely on staple carbohydrates and energy-rich crops such as wheat, maize, rice, sweet potato, pearl millet, lentils, beans, and cassava that are affordable yet do not provide an adequate array of micronutrients to meet human needs, when the food system transforms staples into ultra-processed foods [5]
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