Malnutrition, or “hidden hunger,” affects nearly 2 billion people globally, posing serious challenges to public health, development, and economic growth. Unlike hunger caused by caloric deficiency, hidden hunger results from a lack of essential micronutrients. Bio fortification a strategy involving the breeding of nutrient-rich crop varieties offers a sustainable, cost-effective, and long-term solution. By enhancing levels of micronutrients such as iron, zinc, iodine, and vitamin A in staple crops, bio fortification plays a vital role in improving nutritional security, particularly among rural populations in developing countries. Crop bio fortification, achieved through agronomic practices, conventional breeding and genetic engineering, is a promising approach to addressing hidden hunger. Among various strategies, bio fortification in vegetable crops stands out as the most sustainable and widely acceptable. Vegetables are vital to human nutrition, being rich sources of phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Enhancing their nutrient content offers an effective and long-term solution to improve dietary quality and combat micronutrient deficiencies globally. This review highlights the current status of hidden hunger and explores various biofortification strategies to combat micronutrient deficiencies. It also discusses the potential of biofortification in reducing antinutritional factors in vegetables, thereby enhancing their nutritional value and promoting better health outcomes.

Investigating the impact of spray drying parameters on milk powder bio fortification with curcumin and veld grape (Cissus quadrangularis) extract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of combined biofortification of spinach with iodine (I) and selenium (Se). For this purpose, the spinach plant was cultivated in an open field (Dehdasht, Iran), biofortified with potassium iodide (KI) and sodium selenate (Na₂SeO₄) at different concentrations (Se 1 mg/L-I 1 mg/l; Se1-I1, Se2.5-I1, Se5-I1, Se1-I5, Se2.5-I5, and Se5-I5) through spraying the leaves twice during the growth season. Results indicated that while iodine did not have any effect on plant yield, selenium fortification at 2.5 mg/L significantly increased production (60.05 t/ha). However, both elements were successfully accumulated in the leaves of the plant. Therefore, the highest accumulation for both elements was noted by Se5-I5 sample. Meanwhile, the joint biofortification of spinach improved the activity of antioxidant enzymes, macro/microelements content, photosynthetic pigments, nitrate reductase activity, ascorbic acid, total phenol content, carotenoid compounds, total soluble solids, and dry matter percentage, while decreasing the nitrate and malondialdehyde contents in the leaves, resulting in a plant with improved dietary properties and yield production. In this regard, treatment Se2.5-I5 was the best treatment in relation to various tests conducted.

Livestock nutrition is crucial for sustaining the health and productivity of farm animals, which are a cornerstone of the global food supply. Proper nutrition ensures that animals receive the necessary nutrients for essential bodily functions, growth, reproduction and lactation. Tailored, balanced diets that cater to the specific nutritional needs of different livestock species and their developmental stages also boost reproductive performance, leading to higher birth rates and healthier offspring. Conversely, inadequate nutrition can lead to stunted growth, diminished productivity, and increased vulnerability to diseases, ultimately resulting in significant economic losses. Nutritional imbalances among animals, especially in dairy goats and cattle, pose a significant challenge in livestock management. These disorders result from inadequate or imbalanced nutrient intake, leading to a range of metabolic and health issues. Fodders are essential to livestock nutrition, providing a balanced diet that supports overall animal health, growth and productivity. They are primary sources of energy, with grasses and cereals supplying carbohydrates needed for maintenance and production activities. Leguminous fodders like alfalfa and clover are rich in protein and crucial for muscle development, milk production and growth. Additionally, green fodders offer vital vitamins (A, D, E, K) and minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, which are necessary for various metabolic functions. The high fibre content in fodders aids in proper digestion and prevents digestive disorders. Overall, the review highlights the impact of various nutrient deficiencies on livestock, including the effects of anti-nutritional factors and the mechanisms of nitrate, oxalate and prussic acid toxicity in animals. It underscores the importance of agronomic bio fortification as a promising strategy to enhance the nutritional quality of fodder crops, thereby improving animal health and welfare, while also contributing to food security and sustainable agriculture.

Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient that participates in several plant metabolisms. Soil application of Zn is an effective strategy to increase the productivity and Zn concentration in maize grains, but the effect of Zn fertilizers on the nutrients uptake and biofortification still needs more studies. In this study, a greenhouse plot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of the optimum Zn fertilizer doses (0, 5.7, and 11.4 kg ha−1) on the nutrients uptake and Zn biofortification of maize crops. Zn applications were found to increase significantly the transpiration rate; photosynthesis rate, Zn, and P concentration in the maize shoot at the VT (Tasseling) stage as well as the grain Zn and maize grain yield. P, Mg, and phytic acid (PA) concentration in grains was also increased with a Zn application of 11.4 kg ha−1. The PA/Zn molar ratio in grains decreased due to the Zn application doses as compared with the control treatment, but there was no significant difference between Zn 5.7 and 11.4 kg ha−1 doses, while Zn 5.7 kg ha−1 achieved a higher PA/Fe molar ratio in maize grains compared to other treatments.

It is widely stressed that girl-child education is good; and girls could only learn properly if they are fed well. Levels of micronutrients such as antioxidants vitamins A and C could lead to poor brain or nervous system functions. The objective of this work was to evaluate the relationship between Micronutrients deficiencies (poor levels of antioxidants Vitamin A and Vitamin C) and academic performance of selected young girls in Sokoto, Nigeria. This work determined blood levels of vitamin A and C in 250 young girls in Sokoto using standard methods and materials of analytical grade. A semi experimental study involving 40 selected study participants was done. An exploration of academic performance of subjects that are with enough vitamin C and A and their counterparts was done using assessment. This study shows that, the girls with normal levels of antioxidants vitamins A and C scored a mean mark (55.0+ 13.015) more than those with poor levels (35.63+12.63) (p<0.05). This signifies that nutritional concerted interventions are needed. Nutritional education, soil fertilization, bio fortification, and relations could be used for improving public diet in the state.

Recognizing that economic growth alone isn't sufficient to improve nutritional well-being, there's been a shift in addressing malnutrition through a nutrition-sensitive approach in development. Biofortification, as a part of this paradigm, intervenes in food systems to deliver essential micronutrients through staple diets, especially to populations facing challenges in consuming diverse foods. Biofortified crops have the potential to meet 35–50% of the daily estimated average requirement of micronutrients. Despite being in the early stages, the state can play a role in establishing a robust value chain for biofortified products. The paper explores practical policy interventions in that direction.

Numerous developing nations face epidemics that are characterized by nutritional deficiencies in both humans and animals. A further threat to nutritional quality is posed by the lack of dietary diversity, which consists predominantly of cereal-based crops lacking in essential mineral nutrients. Cereals and pulses are major food crops in backward countries; however, they often lack essential compounds, macronutrients, and micronutrients, resulting in imbalanced nutrition. Widespread malnutrition, characterized by ailments such as anemia, rickets, and scurvy, is a direct consequence of this nutritional imbalance. It is crucial to bio-fortify cereals and pulses to provide the population with balanced diets and reduce malnutrition. New breeding techniques (NBTs) such as gene editing, gene overexpression, and gene transfer from wild relatives offer alternative avenues to obtain crops with optimal nutritional profiles. This review delves into the significance of bio fortification in enhancing food crops and explores the utilization of advanced breeding methods for the development of novel bio fortified crop varieties, thereby tackling nutritional security within the realm of agriculture. It conveys a message to researchers regarding the considerable potential of bio fortification to enhance crop productivity while enriching crops with additional nutrients.

Phytoremediation, stress tolerance and bio fortification in crops through soilless culture

Malnutrition remains a major global issue-affecting people of all ages. Iron deficiency is one of the existing malnutrition deficiencies limiting long-term human development. Food-based interventions play a vital role in the growth, development (physical and cognitive), and socioeconomic status of an individual. Several food-based approaches (viz., fortification and bio fortification of staple foods) have been employed for improving malnutrition in vulnerable populations. In underdeveloped countries, staple foods like rice, wheat, beans, and pearl millets etc. are being actively fortified and bio fortified to enhance the iron content intended to deliver the required nourishment with optimal consumption. However, translational iron levels from functional foods may not be proportional to iron absorbed into systems. Considering the effectiveness of bioavailability, additional emphasis is required in establishing the same for the functional foods which could serve as an effective alternative to existing methods in mitigating iron malnutrition. This review emphasizes the importance of iron, iron physio-pathological, and the current status of food strategies in dealing with iron malnutrition.

Malnutrition, including undernutrition, micronutrient defi ciency, and overnutrition, remains one of the biggest challenges to global development. Many types of approaches were suggested to achieve a balanced diet; like food fortifi cation, biofortifi cation, and dietary diversifi cation. Dietary diversifi cation is a more practical approach to full fi ll the daily needs of nutrients at the community level. The main objective of the study was to encourage diversifi cation in the diet through Local nutritional solutions to improve the nutritive value of the diet. The 491 individuals were included in the study from 128 randomly selected rural HHs from Kannauj and Banda district of Uttar Pradesh state. A total number of sixteen nutrients were evaluated as dependent variables and one independent (Individual Dietary Diversity Score) variable. To improvement in the dietary diversity score, an intervention schedule was prepared with the help of booklets, posters, videos, charts, and personal counseling. A signifi cant diff erence between controlled and intervention groups was found for 11 nutrients out of 16 nutrients. All 11 signifi cantly improved nutrients belonged to the micronutrients category. The Individual Dietary Diversity Score of controlled groups was 4.31 and the same score of the intervention group was 5.28, with a signifi cant diff erence (p-values <0.001). The intake of phosphorus, magnesium, and sodium exceeded the Recommended Dietary Allowances, with NAR 1.82, 2.14, and 2.42, respectively. Five nutrients (calcium, vitamin-A, potassium, ribofl avin, vitamin-C) consumed less than 75 per cent of the prescribed amount in the control group, and the same in the intervention group was three (calcium, vitamin-A, potassium).

Plant breeding through induced mutation technology is a potent method to creating new variants of food crops with of desirable phenotypic, genetic and biochemical functions. It is a catalyst in developing improved crop varieties where classical hybridization or selection have limitations. It has been used to improve nutrition quality and higher yield in a number of legumes. Dolichos Lablab (Lablab purpureus L) is multipurpose legume that has not been exploited extensively for food nutritional properties through breeding. The purpose of the study was, therefore, to generate awareness that nutritional status of D. Lablab could be improved through mutation induction and be a good source of food components essential for good health. Twenty-four dolichos Lablab germplasms including 20 mutant accessions and 4 commercial genotypes were evaluated for proximate values and mineral contents in Kenya in 2021 based on Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). Data analysis was based on least significant difference (P = .05).The revealed percent moisture, ash crude fat, crude fibre, crude proteins and total starch content ranged : 7.35% -11.84%, 1.09 -2.90%, 3.35% - 8.05% , 8.86 - 12.70% , 20.03% - 28.87% and 25.50% - 39.00% .The mineral content of phosphorous (P), potassium(K) and calcium (Ca) ranged from 27mg - 57mg, 132mg -297mg and 7mg - 19mg. A significant positive correlation between ash levels to P and K concentration and on P to K concentration. The result of analysis ranked 9 (WT026, WT018 ,MT110 , BT188 , BT032, BT114, MT076 BT137,GT09) different accessions that positively contributed to the nutritional content of the investigated dolichos lablab accessions. Further research on the superior accessions can be done on yield potential, resistance to biotic and abiotic constrains, sensory preferences or used in bio fortification of existing genotypes.

The aim of this study was to examine the antioxidant compounds, antibacterial activity and minerals content of broccoli stem and floret. The antioxidant activity was determined by measuring total phenolic content (TPC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The antibacterial activity was determined using paper disc method against two bacteria namely Klebsiella sp, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and P. aeruginosa. Minerals concentrations of broccoli stem and floret were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. The results showed that floret sample had significantly (P <0.05) higher total phenol content and antioxidant activity compared to stem sample. The result showed that the acetone extracts of broccoli stem and floret were effective against all the bacteria tested. The majority of the broccoli materials were rich in some of the essential minerals like Na, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Cu, Fe, and Zn, which are known to be beneficial for health. In general, the concentrations of minerals in the broccoli stem and floret were detected. broccoli floret higher minerals concentration of K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Cu, Fe, and Zn of floret than stem. Results showed part of plant effect of the antioxidant compounds and minerals content. Results of the present study provide vital data on the availability of some antioxidant compounds and essential minerals, which can be useful to provide dietary information for designing value-added foods and for food bio fortification.

The severe acute Malnutrition has been related with deficiency, poor diet and inadequate access to health care, and it remains as universal health issue that contributes to ill-health with 50% of childhood deaths due to underlying malnutrition. Bio fortification, probiotic foods and food process methods have shown the potential to beat the deficiency disease. A recently developed home primarily based treatment for severe acute deficiency disease is convalescent the lives of many thousands of kids a year. Ready-touse Therapeutic Food has modified radically the treatment of severe deficiency disease – providing foods that are safe to use reception and guarantee fast weight gain in severely malnourished youngsters. It has been observed that the household size, household food access, and the child’s age were the major predictors of severe acute malnutrition. Engaging poor families in kitchen gardening to ensure household food access and nutritious diet to the children, along with health education and promotion to the mothers of young children are therefore recommended to reduce child undernutrition.

Initiatives to improve the nutritional quality of staple foods, such as beans and cassava by bio fortification should be encouraged as an alternative to overcome the deficiencies of iron and vitamin A. The evaluation of the bio accessibility of the minerals in these foods is also important, since the composition of nutrients does not necessarily correspond to the amount absorbed and metabolized in the body. Thus, the present work aims to evaluate the bio accessibility of iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) in the presence of β-carotene in combinations of bio fortified food sources of Fe and Zn (cowpea cooked with and without maceration: CM/CW, respectively) and β-carotene (cooked cassava and cassava flour: CC/CF, respectively). The mixtures, after cooking, were analyzed for the centesimal composition and minerals, phytates, the percentage of iron and zinc bio accessibility by in vitro method and molar ratio. The mixtures presented significant amounts of proteins, carbohydrates and fibers. The β-carotene content showed no statistical difference in processing methods. The Fe content showed lower levels in the controls with cassava flour and its bio accessibility was also lower for treatment with cassava flour with CM, while for Zn or higher content it was used for treatment CW/CF, differing only from the treatment CW/CC, although their bio accessibilities were not different, except to iron in CMCC treatment. Both the IP6 fraction and the IP5 fraction did not show a significant difference (p > 0.05) between the treatments, it suggests no interference in bio accessibility. A diet rich in iron and vitamin A in adequate amounts with minimal content of absorption inhibitors can be effective in controlling iron deficiency. Bio fortified mixtures must be encouraged in different forms of consumption.

Vitamin D, like other vitamins, is an essential micronutrient required for proper human metabolic function. It refers to a group of compounds, the most important of which are D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol). Vitamin D is acquired from two main sources, synthesis in lower layers of the skin triggered by exposure to the sun (90%) and through diet (10%). Vitamin D levels can be determined by measuring 25(OH)D concentration in the serum and deficiencies are responsible for a wide range of issues including bone-related problems, depression, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, cardio and respiratory problems, infections, autism and obesity. Synthesis in the body can be affected by a variety of factors including skin color, age, lifestyle, clothing, weather and even general health illiteracy. In terms of diet, the staple foods of the Pakistani population are generally deficient in vitamin D. As a result, a significant proportion of the Pakistani population, in particular women and children, suffer from vitamin D deficiency. The various challenges that need to be addressed to overcome this issue are discussed, along with potentially employable strategies such as food fortification (for example by micro and nano encapsulation technologies) and bio fortification.

As a staple food, rice can be used as a bio fortification. For this necessity, Indonesian Agency for Agriculture Research and Development (IAARD) developed rice variety which was rich of Zn content to overcome child stunting. To understand the panicle branching behavior of Inpari IR Nutri Zinc, we collected panicle branching data from different sites and agronomical practices. Data were collected from three locations in West Java, i.e Cianjur, Majalengka, and Ciamis during May until October 2020. Among sites showed a significant differences of panicle branching. The best performance of Inpari IR Nutri Zinc panicle branching was showed at Majalengka rather than Ciamis and Cianjur. It was predicted because of temperature differences, as Cianjur’s was higher than those Majalengka’s and Ciamis’. Based on planting space, L5 was better than that L2 in number of grains per panicle, number of primary branches, number of secondary branches, total length of primary branches, and number of filled-grain per panicle characters. Meanwhile, L2 in Majalengka and Ciamis showed higher value in three panicle branching characters. Further, the L2 in Majalengka showed higher value and significantly difference than that in Ciamis in seven panicles branching characters bio pesticide application also affected some panicle branching characters significantly.

Food bio fortification holds a lot of promise for the alleviation of hidden hunger. The appropriate soil nutrient management methods that will maximize the pro vitamin A content of bio fortified Orange fleshed sweet potatoes bio fortified was evaluated in the present research. The carotenoid content and profile of OFSP variety grown on soils given five different nutrient managements were compared. The soil management treatments given were: Poultry manure at 10 x 103 kg /ha (VB1); Poultry manure at 5 x 103 kg/ha;( VB2): Poultry manure at 2.5 x 103 kg/ha + NPK at 200 kg/ha + Agrolyser at 2.7 kg/ha, (VB3) Agrolyser at 2.7 kg/ha + NPK at 200 kg/ha; (VB4) Poultry manure at 5.0 x 103 kg/ha + NPK at 200 kg/ha, (VB5) NPK 15:15:15 at 400 kg/ha. Carotenoids were extracted from the potato samples and analyzed using High performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The best treatment that promoted high pro vitamin A carotenoid content was soil treatment with Poultry manure (5x 103 kg/ha+ NPK (200kg/ha). This soil treatment led to the highest contents of α-carotene (6.14μg/g); 13-cis-β-carotene (12.36μg/g); All-trans-β-carotene (87.89μg/g) and 9-cis-β-carotene (2.99μg/g). The best soil management treatment for the highest yield of β-cryptoxanthin (7.95μg/g) was poultry manure at 2.5kg/ha +NPK at 200kg/ha.

Identification of molecular markers revealing polymorphism among the parental lines are prerequisite for mapping QTLs and genes for desired traits. The genomic regions which contributes to the accumulation of grain iron and zinc in rice could greatly help in rice bio fortification programs. A BC4 F10 mapping population was earlier developed from the cross between an elite fine-grain Oryza sativa indica cultivar, BPT5204 and a wild progenitor specie O. rufipogon WR119. A total of 800 randomly selected SSR markers distributed on all the 12 chromosomes of rice including 50 gene specific markers related to grain iron, zinc and yield traits were used to identify the polymorphic loci between the two genotypes. In all, 166 markers (20.75 %) showed distinct polymorphism. 149 SSR markers (19%) out of 750 SSRs and 17 out of 50 gene-specific markers (36%) were polymorphic. The 17 polymorphic gene-specific markers were related to gene families OsZIP, OsYSL, OsNRAMP, OsNAAT, OsFRO, OsFDH, OsGSTU and OsPDR which are involved in metal transport and homeostasis in rice. Among the markers reported to be significantly associated with QTLs for grain iron, zinc and yield related traits, RM517, RM81A, RM264, OsYSL-7, RM5460, RM3874 were polymorphic in this study.

Peanut is an affordable legume used in most households. It represents one of the most important protein supplies worldwide. However, peanut proteins are deficient in several essential amino acids (EAA), like most plant proteins; whereas plants are the main source of dietary proteins consumed by humans and livestock. This could lead to protein malnutrition in areas where people diet relies on one or two staple foods. Based on its high nutritional value, peanut is a good candidate for genetic biofortification. This study is aimed at expressing an EAA-rich artificial storage protein (ASPx) into peanut seeds for increased nutritive value. The ASPx derived gene was introduced into peanut via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Molecular analysis of regenerated kanamycin resistant plants using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Southern hybridization indicate the stable integration of one copy ASPx gene in transgenic plants. The expression of the ASPx in transgenic peanuts seeds was detected by mass spectrometry (multiple reaction monitoring). Amino acids analysis showed an increase of 12 to 19% of most EAA (Val, Tyr, Phe, Iso, Leu, Met) in a transgenic line. The results show that the nutritional quality of peanut could be improved. Key words: Genetic biofortification, essential amino acid, storage protein, peanut.