Nutritional improvements in plants: time to bite on biofortified foods

Trends Plant Sci. 2008 Sep;13(9):459-63. doi: 10.1016/j.tplants.2008.05.009. Epub 2008 Jul 16.

Abstract

Modern breeding, molecular genetic and biotechnology studies frequently describe changes in plant metabolism to improve nutritional content; however, this is often where the process of assessing biofortification ends. Ideally, these modified plants need to be used in controlled animal and human feeding studies to assess nutritional impact. Such bioavailability studies are crucial if any claims are to be made regarding health benefits and might be an important component in public acceptance of biofortified foods.

Publication types

  • Editorial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Availability
  • Food, Fortified / standards*
  • Genetic Engineering*
  • Humans
  • Micronutrients / metabolism*
  • Micronutrients / pharmacokinetics
  • Nutritive Value
  • Plants, Edible / genetics
  • Plants, Edible / metabolism*

Substances

  • Micronutrients