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Biofortified rice to fight folate deficiency

Abstract:

Folates (vitamin B9) are essential for human health. Combating folate deficiency, a widespread phenomenon, is a major challenge in the twenty-first century. A thorough understanding of folate functions and its metabolism both in humans and in plants is indispensable for successfully reaching this goal. Folic acid supplementation and food fortification have been widely implemented so far, but recently some concern has been raised about their possible negative impact on human health. Folate biofortification of crops, and rice in particular, through metabolic engineering is a valuable alternative and/or complement in fighting folate deficiency, especially among poor and rural populations.