Biofortification

Biofortification takes place when plants through natural processes enrich themselves in essential elements and vitamins, most of which are beneficial for humans as well.

 

The toxic heavy metal cadmium is increasingly accumulated in the human body, and among other things, cadmium poisoning can result in damage to the nervous system, osteoporosis and cancer. Cadmium exists all around us, i.e. in water pipes and tobacco smoke as well as in basic foods such as wheat kernels and sunflower seeds, but the problem is worsened by the fact that we do not eat enough zinc. Cadmium steps in where zinc, an essential element, would normally be bound in the body. When cereals are polished, the zinc often disappears, so the common diet of refined cereals is a source of concern. Therefore, we need to know more about the mechanisms behind absorption of micronutrients in plants and to develop foods with lower toxic intake (i.e. of cadmium) and higher content of essential elements (like zinc). A strategy employed at the Department is to investigate the molecular basis for breeding strategies aiming at refining biological pumps in cereal grains so that they import zinc with higher efficiency and specificity while at the same time allow for cadmium to be exported.

 

People in many northern countries lack vitamin D. During the winter months, the sun rarely appears, and as sunlight is essential for formation of vitamin D in our skin, we are in shortage of this vitamin almost half the year. A lack of vitamin D can cause many illnesses, among others rickets, reduced immune defense and cancer. A normal diet only contains little vitamin D, with fatty fishes being the best source of vitamin D. Surprisingly, some plant species make vitamin D. In a new research project we aim to analyze the content of and capacity to produce vitamin D in a range of food and crop plants. This knowledge can be used to breed more healthy plants.

 

More info: Contact professor Michael Gjedde Palmgren or Associate professor Poul Erik Jensen