Biofortification in the Food chain and use of Selenium and Phyto-compounds in Risk -reduction and control of Prostrate

Abstract

Malnutrition is easily the most important cause of global mortality, with over 50% of all deaths annually due to diet-related diseases. Dietary deficiencies of the micronutrients iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), and iodine (I) as well as various vitamins are widespread globally, affecting well over half of the world’s population, and often occur concurrently (WHO 2003). Selenium, Fe, Zn, and vitamins A, B, and C have immunomodulating functions, and thus influence the susceptibility of a host to infectious diseases, and their courses and outcomes (Bhaskaram 2002; Failla 2003). The global crisis in malnutrition is due to dysfunctional food systems that fail to deliver sufficient essential nutrients. A food systems paradigm encompasses an agriculture that aims not only at productivity and sustainability, but also at adequate nutrition (Graham et al. 2001). Biofortification of staple crops with micronutrients by breeding for higher density of micronutrients in edible parts or by fertilization is an important component of a food systems strategy to address widespread dietary deficiency in human populations. Breeding (genetic biofortification) may be more suitable to enhance provitamin A carotenoids and Fe, whereas a fertilizer strategy (agronomic biofortification) may be more effective for Se, I, and Zn.