Zinc Fortification Research Articles

Unlocking Potential: The Role of Zinc Fortification Combating Hidden Hunger and Enhancing Nutritional Security

Micronutrient shortage is rapidly becoming apparent have drawn more attention in the cultivation of crops. The main causes of this deficit are the introduction of high-yielding varieties, an intensified cropping strategy, and advanced irrigation systems etc. A further aspect contributing to this issue is the increased use of high analysis chemical fertilizers instead of organic plant nutrition (composts, farmyard manure, etc.). Most countries have acute shortages of micronutrients due to the significant depletion of soil reserves caused by current agricultural production technologies. In order to increase both the quantity and quality of crops, micronutrients are crucial. Through the integration of agronomic, breeding and transgenic techniques, researchers seek to strengthen the zinc concentration in field crops, so improving their nutritional value and mitigating the risk of zinc deficiency in human diets. The availability and absorption of micronutrients in crops are improved by agronomic techniques such as foliar spraying, and soil fertilizer treatment including organic amendments. Meanwhile, biofortification of vegetable and fruit crops has also been achieved by transgenic and breeding strategies. In other hand, Rhizobacteria-based biofortification, Chelated Zn biofortification, nutri-priming are also important techniques in Zinc fortification programs to ensure food security and nutritional quality, bio-fortification of micronutrients in crops is vital. In addition, bio-fortification improved quality and crop output, reducing hidden hunger and demonstrating that it was a viable and economical approach. The present review addresses several aspects of zinc insufficiency in human populations, including public health and socioeconomic issues, bio-fortification and ferti-fortification studies, and future efforts to mitigate zinc deficiency in soil and the population at large.

Biofortification of iron and zinc under late-season water deficit and iron and zinc deficiency on yield and fatty acid composition of flaxseed

Iron and zinc are essential for plant and human health. Biofortification is crucial for improving crop performance. We studied how biofortification of iron and zinc to flaxseed affected its yield, fatty acid composition, and antioxidant capacity in soil water and nutrient deficiency conditions. We tested nutritional impacts of iron and zinc (0, 4, and 8 g l−1) during the onset of stem elongation (VS) and flowering (RS) within two distinct environments (well-watered (WW) and after-anthesis water deficit (WD), and their interactions, on yield and fatty acid composition of flaxseed in 2018 and 2019 in Kermanshah, Iran. Based on the results in WW, seed, oil, protein, and mucilage yield were 1756, 646, 285, and 131 kg ha−1, and WD reduced seed and oil yield by 24, 33, and significantly increased saturated fatty acids, total phenol, and zinc in the seeds. In WW and WD, iron and zinc fortification significantly increased seed, oil, and protein yield, total phenol, unsaturated fatty acids and iron and zinc in the seeds. Path analysis showed that the number of seed capsule−1 and capsule plant−1 in the WW and WD, respectively, had the most direct and positive impact on seed, oil, mucilage, and protein yield. These findings suggest that oil yield was more sensitive to WD compared to seed, mucilage, and protein yield, and application of iron and zinc can boost the oil quantity and quality, iron, zinc content, and antioxidant capacity by minimizing the harmful impacts of WD.

Zinc fortification and legume incorporation in forage based cropping systems: Implications for yield and nutrient dynamics

Aim: To evaluate the synergistic effects of legume intercropping and zinc fortification on forage yield, and plant and soil nutrient dynamics. Methodology: The experiment was laid out in a Factorial Randomized Block Design. Treatment combinations included five cropping systems, i.e., sole maize, sole cowpea, sole soybean, maize + cowpea (2:1), maize + soybean (2:1) and three zinc levels; Zn0= control or no zinc application, Zn1 = 20 kg ZnSO4 ha-1 (basal soil application) and Zn2 = 20 kg ZnSO4 ha-1 (basal soil application) + 0.5% ZnSO4 sprayed twice (30 DAS and 50 DAS). Results: Sole maize recorded highest dry matter (11938 kg ha-1) yield. Soil + foliar zinc application (Zn2) recorded an increase of 37.93 % increase in dry matter yield over control (Zn0). Maize + legumes recorded higher nitrogen uptake. There was an overall increase (122.34%) in zinc uptake from Zn0 to Zn2. Soil + foliar applied Zn increased ZnUE by 27.60 % (619.14 kg) over soil applied Zn (485.19 kg). Zn application increased Zn values of soil to 0.50 ppm with soil application and 0.56 ppm with soil + foliar application from the initial value of 0.36 ppm. Interpretation: Intercropping of legumes and application of 20 kg ZnSO4 as basal soil application plus two foliar applications of 0.5% ZnSO4 at 30 and 50 days after sowing significantly increased forage yield, nutrient uptake and enhanced soil zinc levels. Key words: Cropping systems, Intercropping, Legumes, Nutrient dynamics, Yield, Zn fortification

Effect of Agronomic Biofortification of Zinc and Iron on Plant Height and Seed Yield of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Varieties

The present field experiment was conducted to study the effect of agronomic biofortification of zinc and iron on chickpea during Rabi season of 2021-22 and 2022-23 at the instructional farm, College of Agriculture, Jodhpur. The field experiment was laid out in split plot design comprised two varieties of chickpea (‘GNG-2144’ and ‘GNG-2171’) and three levels of iron fortification treatment including control (F0), 20 kg FeSO4 (SA) + 0.5 % FeSO4 (F1) and 25 kg FeSO4 (SA) + 0.5 % FeSO4 (F3) in the main plot and four-levels of zinc fortification viz. control (Z0), ZSB (SI) + 15 kg ZnSO4 (SA) + 0.5 % ZnSO4 (Z1), ZSB (SI) + 20 kg ZnSO4 (SA) + 0.5 % ZnSO4 (Z2) and ZSB (SI) + 25 kg ZnSO4 (SA) + 0.5 % ZnSO4 (Z3) in sub-plot. These three experimental variables make twenty-four treatment combinations were taken as experimental factors to study their effect on biofortification in chickpea. The results revealed that variety GNG-2144 recorded higher plant height and higher seed yield over variety GNG-2171. Among Iron levels treatment 25 kg FeSO4 (SA) + 0.5 % FeSO4 (F3) significantly recorded higher seed yield as compare to 20 kg FeSO4 (SA) + 0.5 % FeSO4 (F1). Moreover, Zinc fortification treatment ZSB (SI) + 25 kg ZnSO4 (SA) + 0.5 % ZnSO4 (Z3) was found significantly superior over the treatment ZSB (SI) + 15 kg ZnSO4 (SA) + 0.5 % ZnSO4 (Z1) and at par with ZSB (SI) + 20 kg ZnSO4 (SA) + 0.5 % ZnSO4 (Z2).

The Potential for Bouillon Fortification to Reduce Dietary Micronutrient Inadequacy: Modeling Analyses Using National Survey Data from Cameroon, Ghana, and Haiti

BackgroundBouillon is commonly consumed in some countries where micronutrient deficiencies are prevalent, but it has not been widely adopted as a micronutrient fortification vehicle. ObjectivesWe modeled the potential impacts of bouillon fortification on dietary micronutrient adequacy to inform future discussions around bouillon fortification programs. MethodsWe analyzed the dietary intake of women of reproductive age (WRA) and 1- to 5-y-old children from a national dietary survey in Cameroon, and “apparent intake” (using the nutrient density approach) of WRA, children, and men from 3 household surveys in Cameroon, Ghana, and Haiti. We examined (apparent) intake of bouillon and simulated the impacts of bouillon fortification with varying levels of vitamin A, folic acid, vitamin B12, iron, and zinc on inadequate intake (below the estimated average requirement) and intake above the tolerable upper intake level (UL). Scenarios accounted for current mandatory fortification programs and different assumptions about iron absorption from bouillon. ResultsBouillon was consumed by >67% of households in Ghana and >90% in Haiti and Cameroon. Median (apparent) consumption ranged from 1.6 to 2.1 g/d for WRA, 0.7 to 1.0 g/d for children, and 1.8 to 2.2 g/d for men. Bouillon fortification at the highest micronutrient concentration modeled was predicted to reduce dietary inadequacy by 21–52 percentage points (pp) for vitamin A; 3–47pp for folic acid, and 4–90pp for vitamin B12, depending on the country and population group. In contrast, predicted impacts for iron were modest (2–17pp reduction) but would increase if absorption of iron from bouillon were enhanced. Simulated zinc fortification reduced inadequacy by 12–50pp, but zinc intake above the UL exceeded 10% among children in almost all scenarios. ConclusionsModeling indicates that bouillon fortification could improve dietary micronutrient adequacy beyond existing fortification programs. Further work is needed to identify fortification levels that meet criteria for nutritional benefit, technical and commercial feasibility, affordability, and cost-effectiveness.

Green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles for the industrial biofortification of (Pleurotus pulmonarius) mushrooms

Zinc malnutrition is major health problem in children and women of reproductive age (WRA) in developing countries. This study aimed to find nutritionally balanced food at an affordable cost. For this purpose, Pleurotus pulmonarius (Mushroom) is fortified with zinc oxide nano particles (ZnO-NPs) synthesized from Nigella sativa seed extract. ZnO-NPs were characterized using UV visible and FTIR Spectroscopy, SEM-EDX, XRD, PSA and Zeta potentials. ZnO-NPs were sprayed in different concentrations on substrate used for the cultivation of P. pulmonarius. Cultivated mushroom fruiting bodies were dried and powdered. Bio absorption of zinc was calculated using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Zinc absorption increased by enhancing the number of nano particles spraying on lingo-cellulosic substrate. The controlled bag had 2.27 ± 0.00 mg of zinc content per 2 g of mushroom powder. The minimum amount (3.46 ± 0.16 mg/2 g of mushroom) of zinc micronutrient was absorbed by the bag having 50 mg spray of ZnO-NPs per Kg of the wheat straw. Maximum amount of bio accumulation was done by bag having 5000 mg spray of ZnO-NPs (10.46 ± 0.08 mg/2 g of mushrooms powder). Zinc fortification had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on the uptake of zinc by fruiting bodies. ZnO-NPs at the concentration of 200 mg per kilogram of substrate gave optimized value of biological efficiency [B.E] (40.2 % ± 0.25), while B.E decreased with the increase in ZnO-NPs spray due to bio accumulation of zinc with increased concentration of ZnO-NPs spray.

Effect of vitamins and zinc fortification on sensory properties and nutritional value in a functional biscuit

Abstract Biscuits are a popular baked food product known for their extended shelf life. Fortification with essential vitamins and minerals becomes imperative to enhance their nutritional values. This study aimed to enrich a functional biscuit with key nutrients, including vitamins C, D, and E, as well as the mineral zinc. A sensory parameter was examined by performing 9 point-hedonic scales for color, aroma, taste, and overall liking test, showing 1 as the lowest liking score, and 9 as the highest liking value. Proximate, vitamins and mineral analyses were performed to study the macro- and micronutrient content of the biscuits. The findings demonstrated that fortification with vitamins and minerals did not significantly alter the sensory attributes of the functional biscuit (P &gt;0.05). This study found that color, aroma, taste, and overall impression exhibited trivial variations (P &gt;0.05)) between the original and fortified biscuits, with scores of 5.55 vs. 5.50, 6.68 vs. 6.59, 6.09 vs. 5.95, and 6.18 vs. 6.00, respectively. Importantly, the study effectively increased the nutritional content of the biscuit through fortification per serving size of 35 g, 0.00 vs 2.36 mcg, 0.95 vs 5.84 mg, 0.00 vs 39.31 mg, and 0.90 vs 7.47 mg for vitamin C, D, E, and zinc, respectively. This study also showed the total energy, protein, carbohydrate, and fat content for each serving size of the original and fortified biscuits, resulting in 160.01 vs 161.92 kcal, 2.69 vs 2.67 g, 21.11 vs 21.70 g, and 7.20 vs 7.16 g, respectively. In conclusion, fortifying vitamins and zinc in the functional biscuit effectively heightened its nutritional profile of vitamins and minerals, while sensory properties remained largely unaffected.

Salt stress amelioration and nutrient strengthening in spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) via biochar amendment and zinc fortification: seed priming versus foliar application

Soil salinity is a major nutritional challenge with poor agriculture production characterized by high sodium (Na+) ions in the soil. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and biochar have received attention as a sustainable strategy to reduce biotic and abiotic stress. However, there is a lack of information regarding the incorporation of ZnO NPs with biochar to ameliorate the salinity stress (0, 50,100 mM). Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the potentials of ZnO NPs application (priming and foliar) alone and with a combination of biochar on the growth and nutrient availability of spinach plants under salinity stress. Results demonstrated that salinity stress at a higher rate (100 mM) showed maximum growth retardation by inducing oxidative stress, resulted in reduced photosynthetic rate and nutrient availability. ZnO NPs (priming and foliar) alone enhanced growth, chlorophyll contents and gas exchange parameters by improving the antioxidant enzymes activity of spinach under salinity stress. While, a significant and more pronounced effect was observed at combined treatments of ZnO NPs with biochar amendment. More importantly, ZnO NPs foliar application with biochar significantly reduced the Na+ contents in root 57.69%, and leaves 61.27% of spinach as compared to the respective control. Furthermore, higher nutrient contents were also found at the combined treatment of ZnO NPs foliar application with biochar. Overall, ZnO NPs combined application with biochar proved to be an efficient and sustainable strategy to alleviate salinity stress and improve crop nutritional quality under salinity stress. We inferred that ZnO NPs foliar application with a combination of biochar is more effectual in improving crop nutritional status and salinity mitigation than priming treatments with a combination of biochar.

Modeled impacts of bouillon fortification with micronutrients on child mortality in Senegal, Burkina Faso, and Nigeria.

Micronutrient interventions can reduce child mortality. By applying Micronutrient Intervention Modeling methods in Senegal, Burkina Faso, and Nigeria, we estimated the impacts of bouillon fortification on apparent dietary adequacy of vitamin A and zinc among children and folate among women. We then used the Lives Saved Tool to predict the impacts of bouillon fortification with ranges of vitamin A, zinc, and folic acid concentrations on lives saved among children 6-59 months of age. Fortification at 250µg vitamin A/g and 120µg folic acid/g was predicted to substantially reduce vitamin A- and folate-attributable deaths: 65% for vitamin A and 92% for folate (Senegal), 36% for vitamin A and 74% for folate (Burkina Faso), and >95% for both (Nigeria). Zinc fortification at 5mg/g would avert 48% (Senegal), 31% (Burkina Faso), and 63% (Nigeria) of zinc-attributable deaths. The addition of all three nutrients at 30% of Codex nutrient reference values in 2.5g bouillon was predicted to save an annual average of 293 child lives in Senegal (3.5% of deaths from all causes among children 6-59 months of age), 933 (2.1%) in Burkina Faso, and 18,362 (3.7%) in Nigeria. These results, along with evidence on program feasibility and costs, can help inform fortification program design discussions.

Modeling the Contribution of Multiple Micronutrient Fortification of Salt to Daily Nutrient Intake Among the Ethiopian Population

BackgroundSalt is an affordable commodity and has wide coverage regardless of economic and social status and, hence, could be suitable vehicle for multiple micronutrient fortification. ObjectivesThis study aimed to simulate the contribution folic acid and zinc fortification of iodized salt to nutrient intake among the Ethiopian population. MethodsThe 2013 Ethiopian National Food Consumption Survey and various food composition tables were used to estimate baseline individual-level micronutrient intake. Usual intake was estimated using the Simulating Intake of Micronutrients for Policy Learning and Engagement macro tool. Discretionary salt consumption was calculated from total salt intake estimated using urinary sodium excretion. Fortificant addition rates were set to obtain maximum nutrient intake while simultaneously constraining that population with intake above the tolerable upper intake level to <5%. Addis Ababa and Somali (N = 2271), the regions with relatively the lowest and highest micronutrient deficiency prevalence in Ethiopia, were selected. ResultBaseline median intake of Zn was below the estimated average requirement for all demographic groups. Inadequate Zn intake ranged from 73% to 99%, the highest prevalence being observed among women in lower class of wealth quintiles from Somali region. Dietary folate inadequacy was as low as 2% among men in Addis Ababa but almost all (99%) women from Somali region had inadequate folate intake. Calculated discretionary salt intake was 7.5 g/d for adult men and women and 3.4 g/d for children. With addition 0.8 mg Zn and 30 μg of folic acid per gram of salt, multiple salt fortification is estimated to reduce Zn inadequacy by 38 percentage points in urban areas and19 percentage points in rural areas. Modeled reduction in folate inadequacy were 18% in urban areas and 22% in rural areas. ConclusionsMultiple salt fortification could be an effective approach to address micronutrient adequacy in Ethiopia given efficacious, technological, and economical feasibility.

Expression of Concern: Zinc fortification and alleviation of cadmium stress by application of lysine chelated zinc on different varieties of wheat and rice in cadmium stressed soil (Chemosphere, Volume 295, May 2022, 133829)

Expression of Concern: Zinc fortification and alleviation of cadmium stress by application of lysine chelated zinc on different varieties of wheat and rice in cadmium stressed soil (Chemosphere, Volume 295, May 2022, 133829)

Agronomic zinc biofortification of potato (Solanum tuberosum) through soil and foliar zinc sulphate application in Rajasthan

An experiment was conducted during winter (rabi) seasons of 2020–21 and 2021–22 at Agricultural Research Station, Kota, Rajasthan to assess agronomical biofortification of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) through soil and foliar zinc sulphate application The experiment consisted of 7 treatment combination of soil and foliar applications in a randomized block design with 4 replications. The results revealed that the application of ZnSO4 @2.5 kg/ha at the time of planting and foliar application of zinc sulphate @0.2% at 25 and 50 DAP (T7) gave significantly higher total tuber yield, and number of tubers. A significantly higher tuber zinc content was observed under treatment T7, where soil application of ZnSO4 @12.5 kg/ha at planting + 0.2% foliar application of ZnSO4 at 25 and 50 days after planting (DAP) compared to control, indicating more Zn accumulation. The benefit-cost analysis of tuber production under different basal soil application levels and foliar application revealed highest benefit-cost ratio of 2.59 with treatment T7 followed by T6 (2.39) and T3 (2.35). The apparent recovery efficiency and partial factor productivity were also higher with combined application of ZnSO4 through soil as well as foliar application. The experiment highlights the importance of soil and foliar zinc sulphate application for improved tuber yield and zinc fortification in a sustainable and cost-effective manner.

Exogenous Application of Potassium and Zinc for the Growth, Yield and Agronomic Zinc Biofortification of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

In agriculture, the application of micronutrient application takes place through soil application, foliar spraying, or added seed treatments. Potassium (K) application fulfills the deficiency of K in soil due to a continuous exhaustive cropping system. Zinc (Zn) bio-fortification of seed by priming is responsible for increasing the concentration of Zn in the edible part of a seed with the aim of remedying malnutrition. For this, a field experiment was conducted at the Agronomic research area, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan. Treatment included different rates of K (0, 40, 60, and 80 kg ha-1) and different rates of Zn (0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6%). Potassium was applied in fertigation while zinc was applied in foliar form. The experiment was designed in Randomized complete block design (RCBD) and was repeated three times. It resulted that different rate of potassium and zinc application showed a significant effect on plant growth and yield attributes. Plant growth and yield increased with increasing the rate of potassium and zinc application and decreased with the decreasing the rate of application of potassium and zinc application. The maximum values for plant growth and yield attributes were observed with K3 and Zn3 while the minimum values were recorded with the application of K0 and Zn0. Results regarding the nutrient uptakes showed that maximum values for zinc uptake were also recorded in seed and stem attributes. Maximum values for zinc uptake in seed and stem (37.2 and 14.5 mg/kg) were observed in the Zn3 treatment and the minimum values for zinc uptake (30.1 and 11 mg/kg) were recorded Zn0 treatment, respectively. It was concluded that 80 kg ha-1 application of potassium with 0.6 % foliar application of zinc significantly affects the growth and yield of wheat crops. Zinc foliar application can be helpful for zinc fortification.

In silico screening and characterization, inhibition mechanism on ACE, and stability of antihypertensive peptides with Zn-chelating capacity identified from millet bran albumin hydrolysates

To obtain Angiotensin-I-Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibition peptides with Zn-chelating capacity, millet bran albumin hydrolysates (MBAH) were subjected to Sephadex G-15 gel and reverse phase-high liquid performance chromatography, and UPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis. Five oligopeptides including Val-Gly-Ser-Asp-Gly-Leu (VGSDGL), Thr-Gly-His-Gly-Val-Ala (TGHGVA), Gly-Cys-His-His-Tyr (GCHHY), Leu-Val-Glu-Ala-Val-Pro-Arg-Gly (LVEAVPRG) and Val-Leu-Ala-Gln-Glu-Glu (VLAQEE) were identified in MBAH. Of these, only pentapeptide GCHHY showed both ACE-inhibitory activity (IC50: 134.78 μmol/L) and Zn-chelating capacity (14.16 mg/g). Molecular docking and inhibition kinetics showed that GCHHY was a competitive inhibitor of ACE, because it could bind with Lys511 of ACE which belongs to the central S2 pocket. Moreover, GCHHY can affect zinc tetrahedral coordination in ACE through binding with Glu411 and His383. The sulfhydryl, amino and carboxyl groups of GCHHY can bind with zinc ions. Under the gastrointestinal digestion, the ACE-inhibitory activity of GCHHY was relatively stable, and the zinc solubility of GCHHY-Zn complexes was more stable than zinc sulfate (P < 0.05). In addition, both GCHHY and GCHHY-Zn complexes lowered the diastolic blood pressure and systolic blood pressure of spontaneous hypertensive rats at dose of 50–200 mg/kg body weight. These results suggested the potential applications of millet albumin peptides as ingredients for antihypertension or zinc fortification.

Mechanism and synergistic effect of sulfadiazine (SDZ) and cadmium toxicity in spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) and its alleviation through zinc fortification

Cadmium (Cd) and antibiotic’s tendency to accumulate in edible plant parts and fertile land is a worldwide issue. The combined effect of antibiotics and heavy metals on crops was analyzed, but not mitigation of their toxicity. This study investigated the potential of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) to alleviate the SDZ and Cd toxicity (alone/combined) to promote spinach growth. Results revealed that the ZnO 200 mg L−1 spray decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) 14%, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) 13%, and electrolyte leakage (EL) 7%, and increased the superoxide dismutase (SOD) 8%, peroxidase (POD) 25%, catalase (CAT) 39% and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) 12% in spinach leaves under combined SDZ+Cd (25 mg Kg−1 +50 mg Kg−1) stress compared to ZnO 100 mg L−1 spray. Likewise, ZnO NPs 200 mg L−1 spray enhanced the zinc (Zn) 97%, iron (Fe) 86%, magnesium (Mg) 35%, manganese (Mn) 8%, and potassium (K) 23% in shoots under combined SDZ+Cd (25 mg Kg−1 +50 mg Kg−1) stress compared to ZnO 100 mg L−1 spray. Further, ZnO 200 mg L−1 spray reduced Cd uptake in roots by 9% and shoots 15% under combined SDZ+Cd (25 mg Kg−1 +50 mg Kg−1) stress compared to ZnO 100 mg L−1. Overall, ZnO NPs alleviated the SDZ and Cd toxicity and enhanced spinach growth in all treatments.

Hemoglobin Response to Zinc Supplementation in Patients with Zinc Deficiency and Chronic Anemia

Background: Zinc is a necessary micronutrient used as a catalyst, structural element, and regulatory ion in many metabolic processes including erythropoiesis. Chronic anemia has an estimated prevalence of 5.6% within the US according to NHANES. Iron deficiency is considered the most common nutritional deficiency leading to anemia, but other nutritional deficiencies have been implicated in anemia including deficiencies of Vitamin A, B12, B6, C, D, and E, folate, Riboflavin, Copper, and Zinc. While zinc fortification has been studied in developing countries and has been associated with a decrease in the overall prevalence of anemia within the pediatric and maternal populations, there have been no studies in adults with chronic anemic in the developed world. The mechanism of Zinc in erythropoiesis is likely multifactorial with zinc acting as a catalyst in alpha-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase enzyme in iron metabolism and heme synthesis. Zinc's incorporation in the structure of the growth factor independent 1B (Gfi-1B) Zinc finger protein and GATA-1 Zinc finger transcription factor, which functions as a regulator in erythroid cell growth by modulating gene expression specific to erythroid series including the SMAD pathways and TGF-β signaling. Zinc's interaction in signaling cascades such as the growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 pathways also result in increased erythropoietin transcription and therefore increased erythropoiesis. In addition, zinc is regarded as an important erythroid differentiation factor. This descriptive, retrospective study describes zinc deficient patients with chronic anemia, who underwent zinc supplementation, and their changes in hemoglobin (HGB) over a 12-month period in an academic outpatient hematology center in California, United States of America. Objectives: Primary endpoints: determine the rate of anemia resolution over 12 months following supplementation of zinc in patients with zinc deficiency and chronic anemia. Secondary endpoints: determine if zinc supplementation in zinc deficient patients with chronic anemia will improve HGB by at least 1.0 g.dL by 1, 3, 6, and 12 month time points. Methods: Ninety Three patients with chronic anemia (HGB &amp;lt;12 for women, HGB &amp;lt;13 for men for &amp;gt;3 months) over the age of 18 were identified to have zinc deficiency (plasma zinc concentration &amp;lt;65 ug/dL) in an academic outpatient hematology center in California. Patients did not start new treatment for their anemia, including initiating new treatments for malignancy 3 months preceding, and within the data collection period. Patients were supplemented with Zinc Sulfate 50 mg daily and their HGB was followed over 12 months. A retrospective analysis was completed for prior medical history, lab data, and HGB was tabulated at the time markers of 1, 3, 6, and 12 months following initiation of zinc supplementation. ANOVA, Wilcoxon rank-sum, and unpaired Students and t tests were performed to determine significant differences where p &amp;lt;0.05 is considered statistically significant. Results Prior to supplementation, average HGB among patients was 9.83 g/dL, WBC was 6.8 g/dL, MCV was 89 fl, PLTS were 211 g/dL. Following 1 month of supplementation average HGB was 10.46 g/dL (p = 0.015, n = 82), at 3 months average HGB was 10.75 g/dL (p = 0.0002, n = 83), at 6 months average HGB was 11.34 g/dL (p= 0.000000004, n = 74), and at 12 months average HGB was 11.48 g/dL (p = 0.00000002, n= 57). Primary endpoint of anemia resolution was found in 39 of 93 patients (42%). Secondary endpoint of HGB improvement by at least 1.0 g/dL was reached in 31% of patients at 1 month, 36% of patients at 3 months, 58% of patients at 6 months and 68% of patients at 12 months. Conclusions: Zinc supplementation significantly improved HGB levels in patients with zinc deficiency and chronic anemia, with resolution of anemia in 42% of patients. There was statistically significant improvement from baseline HGB at the1, 3, 6, and 12 month time markers. Further study is warranted to determine the specific mechanism of zinc deficiency in anemia, as well as clinical studies determining zinc supplementation doses, monitoring, and toxicity.

Growth promotion and zinc biofortification in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) by the application of Talaromyces strain as a biostimulant

Zinc deficiency in human beings is common in many societies possibly due to less dietary zinc intake. It requires urgent attention and an ecological solution. Increased solubilization of zinc from soil using microbial biostimulants is an eco-friendly measure to enhance the availability and uptake of zinc and other essential nutrients for plant growth and productivity, and dietary intake in its consumers. The efficacy of Talaromyces flavus var. flavus CBS 310.38, a soil fungus earlier reported by authors for zinc biofortification in potato tubers, was extended in this study, to confirm the growth stimulatory and zinc fortification capabilities of the fungus in lettuce plants. An increase was observed in growth parameters such as fresh weight and the number of leaves per plant by 61.26% and 91.78%, respectively in inoculated plants with zinc supplementation over control (T1). The fungal inoculation along with zinc supplementation enhanced the zinc level in leaves of lettuce by 123.23%, its protein by 27.77%, total phenol by 51.78%, and anthocyanin by 1034% over the control. The nitrate content in leaves was, however, decreased by 23% as compared to the control. The study signifies the importance of this fungal inoculant as a biostimulant and a nature-based solution for zinc supplementation in lettuce as it was observed for potato tubers. The successful utilization of this fungus as a growth stimulant and for zinc biofortification in two vegetable crops of different natures indicates a possibility of its effectively in a wider range of crops, warranting further investigation.

Oil palm kernel globulin antihypertensive peptides: isolation and characterization, ACE inhibition mechanisms, zinc-chelating activity, security and stability.

Introduction: The oil palm kernel (OPK) expeller is the main byproduct of palm oil, but its utilization is limited. Methods: To obtain angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition peptides with Zn-chelating capacity, defatted oil palm kernel globulin hydrolysates (DOPKGH) were subjected to Sephadex G-15 gel electrophoresis, reverse-phase high liquid performance chromatography, and UPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis. Results and discussion: Five representative oligopeptides, including Gln-Arg-Leu-Asp-Arg-Cys-Lys (QRLERCK), Leu-Leu-Leu-Gly-Val-Ala-Asn-Tyr-Arg (LLLGVANYR), Arg-Ala-Asp-Val-Phe-Asn-Pro-Arg (RADVFNPR), Arg-Val-Ile-Lys-Tyr-Asn-Gly-Gly-Gly-Ser-Gly (RVIKYNGGGSG), and Glu-Val-Pro-Gln-Ala-Tyr-Ile-Pro (EVPQAYIP), without potential toxicity and allergenicity, were identified in DOPKGH. Of these, only EVPQAYIP showed both ACE-inhibitory activity (IC50: 102.75μmol/L) and Zn-chelating capacity (11.69mg/g). Molecular docking and inhibition kinetics showed that EVPQAYIP was a competitive inhibitor of ACE because it could bind to Glu384, Lys511, and Gln281 (belonging to the central S1 and S2 pockets, respectively) of ACE. Moreover, EVPQAYIP affects zinc tetrahedral coordination in ACE by binding to Glu411; the amino and carboxyl groups of EVPQAYIP chelate with zinc ions. During gastrointestinal digestion, the ACE inhibitory activity of EVPQAYIP was relatively stable. Additionally, EVPQAYIP enhanced zinc stability in the intestine and exerted antihypertensive effects in spontaneous hypertensive rats. These results suggest the potential application of OPK peptides as ingredients in antihypertensive agents or zinc fortification.

Efficacy evaluation of newly isolated zinc solubilizing bacteria for their potential effect on maize (Zea mays L.) under zinc deficient soil conditions

AbstractZinc solubilizing bacteria (ZSB) induces the conversion of fixed and unavailable soil zinc to readily available zinc contributes plant zinc nutrition and fortification. The present research intended to determine the screening of plant growth‐promoting (PGP) traits of potent ZSB, biochemical and molecular characterization of ZSB, and assessment of potent ZSB for crop yield at the field level. Therefore, in the present study, molecular and functional characterization of native ZSB isolates was done to examine their response to plant growth performance and yield, mobilization of zinc, and acquisition by maize plants. Zinc solubilizing bacterial isolates namely, ZSB1, and ZSB 17 were solubilized insoluble zinc namely, ZnCO3, ZnO, Zn3(PO4)2 and significantly induced growth performance of maize crop at field conditions. A biochemical study revealed that both ZSB isolates were positive for catalase and urease production. Isolates ZSB1 &amp; ZSB17 showed different PGP attributes like production of Indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA), siderophore, NH3, and HCN. Both isolates were solubilized phosphate, potassium, and silica and showed 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate (ACC)‐deaminase activity. 16S rRNA amplification and sequence study of ZSB1 and ZSB17 revealed that both the isolates were Cupriavidus sp. and Pantoea agglomerans, respectively, and novel. The results elucidated from pot studies demonstrated that both ZSB1 &amp; ZSB17 were the more suitable isolates than other ZSB isolates, and these isolates were further tested for field studies. Cupriavidus sp. and Pantoea agglomerans strains increased Zn‐translocation toward grains and yield of Maize (cv: P3441) by 19.01% and 17.64%, respectively. We conclude that the novel indigenous ZSB strains substantially heightened zinc mobilization, the yield of maize crop, restore soil health, and can be suitable for biofortification and biofertilizers technology.

Interaction of iron and zinc fortification and late-season water deficit on yield and fatty acid composition of Dragon's Head (Lallemantia iberica L.)

Dragon's head (Lallemantia iberica) is a rich source of alpha-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, essential oil, protein, and mucilage. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of foliar application of three different concentrations of Fe and Zn (control, 4, and 8 g lit−1) at two different developmental stages (vegetative stage (VS) and reproductive stage (RS)) on the quantity and quality of dragon's head seed yield and fatty acid composition in two crop seasons (2018 and 2019) under two environments (normal irrigation as control (NI) and post-anthesis water deficit (WD). In NI, average yields of seed, oil, and protein were 1155, 340, and 183 kg ha−1, respectively, and in the WD, they were 879, 283, and 148 kg ha−1, respectively. By applying Zn and Fe, the mean values of seed, oil, and protein yields in the NI were 1425, 478, and 264 kg ha−1, while in the WD, they were 1011, 354, and 200 kg ha−1, respectively. Furthermore, the application of WD resulted in a significant increase in zinc concentration, protein percentage, and saturated fatty acid percentage in seeds. Unlike WD, iron and zinc treatments decreased the percentage of saturated fatty acids and increased the percentage of unsaturated fatty acids. The number of capsules per plant had the most positive indirect effect on grain yield. The results showed that foliar spraying of Fe and Zn could effectively mitigate the adverse effects of WD on the quality and quantity of seed and oil yield dragon's head.