Genetically modified corn offers high nutrient solution to vitamin deficiency

Thursday April 30 2009 (foodconsumer.org) -- A new strain of genetically modified corn has been engineered to contain levels of certain essential vitamins that are much greater than average. In a report published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the researches touted their findings as an available solution to vitamin deficiency - a world-wide problem.

The transgenic, or genetically modified, crops contain levels of folate that are double the average, levels of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) that are six times greater than average, and levels of beta-carotene that are 169 times greater than average. The enhanced levels were passed down through several generations of crops. The report states that vitamin deficiency affects up to fifty percent of the world’s population, disproportionately affecting the third world and developing nations. The researchers anticipate field tests in 2010, the BBC reports.

The researchers, led by Dr. Paul Christou from the Universidad de Lleida in Spain, report that vitamin levels in their crops “vastly exceed any [achievements] realized thus far by conventional breeding alone.” In the report, the team said that the nutritionally improved corn can help the quality of life of many of the world’s poor, provided that politics and fears do not obscure pure science.

Dr. Christou told the BBC that the team’s research was “humanitarian in nature.” The researchers claim that transgenic food crops could help curb vitamin deficiency by delivering more vitamins per serving to afflicted individuals. Furthermore, they contend that while “fresh fruit, vegetables, and fish would be ideal . . . where this varied diet is impossible because of poor governance, super-enhanced, nutritionally complete cereals could provide a durable solution.”

Genetically modified food crops are often met with certain stigma, as many are uncomfortable with the practice. Dubbed “frankenfoods” by skeptics, many feel that the practice is unethical and unsafe as many common modifications boost the crops’ defense against insects, or their tolerance to pesticides. However, in an April 21, 2008 article in the New York Times, Andrew Pollack points out that an economic down-turn often eases the taboo around the controversial crops.

The BBC reports that criticisms of the new crops are numerous. Quoting Professor Johnathan Napier of the UK’s Rothamsted Research Institute, they report that “the approval process is rigorous and long-winded.” They also quote Clare Oxborrow from “Friends of Earth,” who states that it is difficult, if not impossible, to ensure that everyone who consumes the crops are getting the correct dosage of vitamins.

(By Will Levine, and edited by Heather Kelley)