Biofortification: A novel attempt to overcome hidden hunger and malnutrition

Abstract

Biofortification provides a feasible means of reaching malnourished populations in relatively remote rural areas, delivering naturally fortified foods to people with limited access to commercially marketed fortified foods, which are more readily available in urban areas. Biofortification and commercial fortification, therefore, are highly complementary. Ultimately, good nutrition depends on adequate intakes of a range of nutrients and other compounds, in combinations and levels that are not yet completely understood. Thus, the best and final solution to eliminating undernutrition as a public health problem in developing countries is to provide increased consumption of a range of nonstaple foods. However, this will require several decades to be realized, informed government policies, and a relatively large investment in agricultural research and other public and on-farm infrastructure.