In the late 90s, scientists Ignatus Potrykus and Peter Beyer developed a genetically modified rice variety called Golden rice, or golden rice. Thanks to the genes of maize, the grains were enriched with beta-carotene, from which the body obtains vitamin A. Golden rice was to be a response to the fight against vitamin A deficiency in children in developing countries. Now it will be grown in Bangladesh.
Golden Rice to Fight Child Blindness
In Bangladesh, 21 percent. children suffer from vitamin A deficiency, leading to the development of blindness and death. Rice is the basis of nutrition in this and other developing countries. Unfortunately, it does not provide adequate doses of vitamin A. The answer to this problem is golden rice – genetically modified grains have been enriched with corn genes, which are responsible for the production of beta-carotene.
There have been attempts over the years to bring golden rice to the market. Its consumption is allowed in the USA, Canada and Australia, but in these countries there is no need to sow rice enriched with vitamin A.
Golden Rice is needed in developing countries. And all indications are that after two years of approval processes, Bangladesh will get the “green light” and it will be possible to grow golden rice there.
Golden Rice in Bangladesh
The scientists responsible for growing the golden rice have made all documentation of their work available to the public sector. This is how they share their knowledge. They also wanted to give other scientists the opportunity to modify rice grains with their method. Golden Rice for Bangladesh was prepared at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) laboratory in Los Baños, Philippines.
See also: Modified starch. Find out if it is safe for health and what its properties and uses are
The maize genes were implanted in the dhan 29 variety, which is sown during the dry season in Bangladesh. This is one of the most popular domestic varieties of this plant. Golden rice was considered safe after testing. Now it is waiting for the approval of the Biosafety Core Committee, which deals with the approval of new varieties for cultivation.
Vitamin A deficiency is fatal
WHO estimates that 250 million preschool children worldwide are deficient in vitamin A. Every year, between 250 and 500 children are suffering from this. children lose their eyesight, and half of them die within 12 months of becoming blind. In 2009, vitamin A deficiency contributed to the death of approximately 8,1 million children under the age of 5.
Vitamin A deficiency is a problem especially in Africa and Southeast Asia. The varieties of golden rice developed so far contain 37 μg of provitamin A per gram of dry weight of the grains. According to the research of scientists, a bowl of cooked rice (100-150 g) is able to satisfy approx. 60 percent. daily requirements for vitamin A in children aged 6-8 years.
The editorial board recommends:
- Symptoms of vitamin deficiency
- Vitamin A deficiency causes diseases of the digestive and respiratory systems in children
- Vitamin A can help treat pancreatic cancer – one of the most dangerous cancers
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Source: https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2019/11/bangladesh-could-be-first-cultivate-golden-rice-genetically-altered-fight-blindness