scholarly journals Breeding Progress for Vitamin A, Iron and Zinc Biofortification, Drought Tolerance, and Sweetpotato Virus Disease Resistance in Sweetpotato

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert O. M. Mwanga ◽  
Jolien Swanckaert ◽  
Guilherme da Silva Pereira ◽  
Maria I. Andrade ◽  
Godwill Makunde ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drought Tolerance ◽  
Vitamin A ◽  
Virus Resistance ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Zinc Content ◽  
Micronutrient Deficiencies ◽  
Breeding Scheme ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Climate Resilience ◽  
Iron And Zinc

Sweetpotato is a resilient food crop with great potential to contribute to reduced hunger in the world. Sweetpotato shows significant potential to contribute to reducing the Global Hunger Index, which reflects deficiencies in calories and micronutrients based on the components of hunger, undernourishment, under-five mortality rate, stunting and wasting. Its genetic diversity has been harnessed through breeding to increase vitamin A, iron, and zinc content, virus resistance and climate resilience for the world's food needs. Africa and India are the most food-insecure regions. The main objectives of this research were to: provide information and a knowledge base on sweetpotato breeding in Africa for biofortification of vitamin A, iron, and zinc, drought tolerance and virus resistance; recommend procedures for generating new breeding populations and varieties; and develop new tools, technologies and methods for sweetpotato improvement. The research was implemented between 2009 and 2020 in 14 collaborating African countries using introduced and local genotypes. The redesigned accelerated breeding scheme resulted in increased genetic gains for vitamin A, iron, zinc contents and virus resistance, and the release by sub-Saharan African countries of 158 varieties; 98 of them orange-fleshed; 55 varieties bred by an accelerated breeding scheme; 27 drought-tolerant and two with enhanced iron and zinc content. Our experience has demonstrated that through the use of more optimized, standardized and collaborative breeding procedures by breeding programs across Africa, it is possible to speed official sweetpotato variety release and contribute to reducing the severe micronutrient deficiencies on the continent.

scholarly journals Immunobiology of mild micronutrient deficiencies

2001 ◽  
Vol 85 (S2) ◽  
pp. S75-S80 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Bhaskaram
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Vitamin A ◽  
Immune Homeostasis ◽  
Micronutrient Deficiencies ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
Critical Determinant ◽  
Iron And Zinc ◽  
Microbe Interactions ◽  
Host Microbe Interactions

Nutrition is a critical determinant of the outcome of host microbe interactions through a modulation of the immune response. Besides macronutrient malnutrition, deficiencies of several macronutrients also influence immune homeostasis and thus affect infection-related morbidity and mortality. Deficiencies of micronutrients like vitamin A, iron and zinc are widely prevalent among populations living in developing countries. Besides their severe deficiencies, subclinical deficiencies are known to impair biological functions in the host, immune function being one of them. The effects of these micronutrients on various immune mechanisms are briefly reviewed in this article.

scholarly journals Contribution of minerals from fresh kidney bean leaves and grains in meals consumed in East, South and Central Africa

2012 ◽  
Vol 12 (53) ◽  
pp. 6479-6489
Author(s):  
PM Mamiro ◽  
◽  
M Nyagaya ◽  
DP Mamiro ◽  
T Jumbe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Central Africa ◽  
Zinc Content ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Micronutrient Deficiencies ◽  
Dry Bean ◽  
Young Leaves ◽  
Iron And Zinc ◽  
Dietary Minerals ◽  
Side Dishes ◽  
Bean Leaves

Varieties of legumes are recognized as an important source of protein and dietary minerals by a number of ethnic groups in East, South and Central Africa. Among the legume that is preferred b y most Africans are the bean varieties . Beans are consumed in many forms: the young leaves, green pods, and fresh bean grains are used as vegetables; dry bean grains are used in various food preparations, and both are used as relish or side dishes together with the staple food. Apart from alleviating food insecurity, the bean leaves , green bean pods and fresh bean grains are good sources of micronutrients especially iron and zinc . Thirty eight varieties of beans deemed to be rich in minerals iron and zinc collected from a n umber of locations in East and Central Africa were brought from University of Nairobi and multiplied at Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro. Bean leaves and fresh beans grains were picked for analysis after the plants reached three weeks and two months, respectively. Iron and zinc content was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer after ashing the samples. Analysis showed that leaves had significantly (P<0.05) more iron than the fresh bean grains. For bean leaves, Maharagi soja had the highest level of iron (1653.9 mg/100g) followed by Nain De Kiondo (1061.1 mg/100g). Similarly, Maharagi soja had the highest level of zinc (40.8 mg/100g), followed by Kiangara (40.5 mg/100g). Variety HRS 545 fresh bean grains , had the highest level of iron(1114.0 mg/100g) followed by Ituri Matata (983.4 g/100g) while highest zinc content was found in HRS 545 (41.1 mg/100g) followed by RWR 10 (41.1 mg/100g). These levels of minerals are significantly higher than the average amount found in dry bean grains (Fe 5.6 – 8.0 mg/100g) and (Zn 1.7 - 2.0 mg/100g). Creating more awareness and encouraging the utilization of bean leaves and fresh bean grains will contribute in alleviating micronutrient deficiencies especially among the vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant and lactating women, and resource-poor families.

Iron and Zinc Bioaccessibility from Sprouted, Malted and Fermented Grains as Influenced by Disodium EDTA

2016 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
pp. 141
Author(s):  
H. E. Shweatha ◽  
Kalpana Platel
Keyword(s):  
Zinc Content ◽  
Fermented Foods ◽  
Processed Foods ◽  
Micronutrient Deficiencies ◽  
Household Level ◽  
Molar Ratios ◽  
Food Grains ◽  
Iron And Zinc ◽  
Vegetarian Diets ◽  
Fermented Grains

In view of the widespread prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies, there is a need to evolve food-based strategies to enhance their bioavailability from predominantly vegetarian diets. Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic acid (EDTA), a known metal chelator, has been previously found to enhance the bioaccessibility of iron and zinc from fortified millet flours. The present investigation was undertaken to examine the effect of EDTA on the bioaccessibility of iron and zinc from germinated, fermented and malted food grains. EDTA was added to the processed foods at molar ratios of 1:1, 1:1.5 and 1:2, relative to inherent iron and zinc content. EDTA significantly enhanced the bioaccessibility of iron from all the processed foods examined, this beneficial effect being highly significant in the germinated and malted grains and significantly higher than the effect of the processing method per se. In the fermented foods, the effect of EDTA was to a lesser extent, except in the case of dhokla, where it was significant. EDTA significantly increased the bioaccessibility of zinc from malted grains, but this increase was only marginal in germinated and fermented grains. Germinated and fermented foods are a common part of Indian diets and are widely consumed, while malted grains find use in the preparation of weaning and geriatric foods. The results of this investigation have shown that EDTA could be used as an enhancer of bioaccessibility of iron and zinc from such traditionally processed foods. This strategy could also be adopted at the household level to improve mineral bioavailability from foods.

Optimization of the micronutrients sufficiency of feeding women and children on exclusively breastfeeding by enriching of the woman diet

GYNECOLOGY ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 222-227
Author(s):  
Vera M. Kodentsova ◽  
Dmitry V. Risnik ◽  
Stanislav V. Pavlovich ◽  
Olga B. Ladodo
Keyword(s):  
Breast Milk ◽  
Zinc Content ◽  
Micronutrient Deficiencies ◽  
Mineral Supplements ◽  
The Status ◽  
Multiple Micronutrient ◽  
Iron And Zinc ◽  
Pregnancy And Lactation ◽  
Calcium Magnesium ◽  
Group B

A significant part of pregnant and lactating women have a lack of several micronutrients at once (vitamin D, group B, iodine, iron, etc.). The secretion of vitamins A, E, D, C, B1, B2, B6, B12, iodine and selenium into breast milk decreases with their insufficient consumption and insufficient provision of the nursing mother. The content of folates, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus in breast milk is maintained even if they are insufficient in the mother, however, enriching the diet with them during breastfeeding, improving the status of the mother, prevents the depletion of reserves in her body. The iron and zinc content in breast milk is determined by the mothers status during pregnancy. The intake of vitamin-mineral supplements or food products enriched with micronutrients during the pregravid period, during pregnancy and lactation leads to an improvement in the provision of a woman and her child by increasing the content of vitamins, iodine and selenium in breast milk. The use of vitamin-mineral supplements is an effective way not only to eliminate multiple micronutrient deficiencies in the diet and improve the status of a lactating woman, but also to optimize the vitamin composition of breast milk and the provision of an exclusively breastfed baby.

scholarly journals Vitamin A, Iron, and Zinc Content of Fortified Maize Meal and Bread at the Household Level in 4 Areas of South Africa

2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 315-326 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul J. van Jaarsveld ◽  
Mieke Faber ◽  
Martha E. van Stuijvenberg
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Vitamin A ◽  
Zinc Content ◽  
Household Level ◽  
Iron And Zinc ◽  
Maize Meal

Review of the Micronutrient Situation in Rwanda

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 133-154
Author(s):  
Joanne E. Arsenault ◽  
Deanna K. Olney
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Young Children ◽  
Vitamin A ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Micronutrient Deficiencies ◽  
Micronutrient Malnutrition ◽  
Context Specific

Background: Rwanda’s commitment to reducing malnutrition is evident in their multisectoral nutrition policy and wide array of nutrition partners. However, the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies and the suitability of current strategies to address existing deficiencies is unclear. Objective: To review the available evidence related to the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies across the life cycle and strategies in place to address them. Methods: We reviewed scientific and grey literature on nutritional problems in Rwanda, emphasizing micronutrient deficiencies and anemia, and current strategies to address micronutrient malnutrition. Results: Overall, there is scant evidence related to the types and prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies among populations across the life cycle in Rwanda. Existing evidence is primarily limited to outdated or small regional surveys focusing on iron or vitamin A among women and young children. Surveys have assessed the prevalence of anemia and indicate that anemia is very high among young children and moderately high among other age-groups. However, there are limited data on the context-specific causes of anemia in Rwanda across population groups. Current nutrition strategies mainly target women and young children and are primarily designed to reduce vitamin A deficiency and/or anemia caused by micronutrient deficiencies. Conclusions: Rwanda has many nutrition programs in place that address micronutrient deficiencies in young children and a few for women of reproductive age. However, gaps exist in knowledge of the extent of different types of micronutrient deficiencies among all populations across the life cycle and whether the delivery of nutrients through current programs is meeting actual needs.

scholarly journals The role of iron and zinc in cognitive development of children

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 145-151
Author(s):  
Md Abdullah Al Mamun ◽  
Ruhina Binta A Ghani
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Services ◽  
Economic Cost ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Deficiency Anemia ◽  
Micronutrient Deficiencies ◽  
Dietary Practices ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Iron And Zinc ◽  
Frequent Consumption

The effects of iron and zinc on cognitive, motor and behavioral development are on children is scientifically accepted and concentrates on the more recent work, some previous work and areas of controversy. There are well established associations with poor development and iron and zinc deficiency in food source but the deficiencies usually occur in disadvantaged circumstances and establishing causal relationships is not easy. The health and well being of children depend upon the interaction between their genetic potential and exogenous factors like adequacy of nutrition, safety of the environment, social interaction and other childhood activity. Both proteins-energy malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies increase the risk of death from common diseases such as acute gastroenteritis, pneumonia and measles. Iron deficiency anemia, for example, is estimated to affect almost 25% of the world’s population resulting in high economic cost by adding to the burden on health care services, affecting learning in school. Dietary practices frequently seen in children from both developed and developing countries, leading to frequent consumption of nutrient poor foods, may also put them at risk of micronutrient deficiencies.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. June 2017, 3(2): 145-151

Genotype × environment interactions for grain iron and zinc content in rice

2020 ◽  
Vol 100 (11) ◽  
pp. 4150-4164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shilpa M Naik ◽  
Anitha K Raman ◽  
Minnuru Nagamallika ◽  
Challa Venkateshwarlu ◽  
Suresh Prasad Singh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Zinc Content ◽  
Iron And Zinc

scholarly journals Assessment of a combined strategy of seasonal malaria chemoprevention and supplementation with vitamin A, zinc and Plumpy’Doz™ to prevent malaria and malnutrition in children under 5 years old in Burkina Faso: a randomized open-label trial (SMC-NUT)

Trials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Sondo ◽  
Marc Christian Tahita ◽  
Toussaint Rouamba ◽  
Karim Derra ◽  
Bérenger Kaboré ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin A ◽  
Burkina Faso ◽  
Malaria Incidence ◽  
Primary Outcome Measure ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Micronutrient Deficiencies ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Link Type ◽  
Potential Factors ◽  
Combined Strategy

Abstract Background Malaria and malnutrition represent major public health concerns worldwide especially in Sub-Sahara Africa. Despite implementation of seasonal malaria chemoprophylaxis (SMC), an intervention aimed at reducing malaria incidence among children aged 3–59 months, the burden of malaria and associated mortality among children below age 5 years remains high in Burkina Faso. Malnutrition, in particular micronutrient deficiency, appears to be one of the potential factors that can negatively affect the effectiveness of SMC. Treating micronutrient deficiencies is known to reduce the incidence of malaria in highly prevalent malaria zone such as rural settings. Therefore, we hypothesized that a combined strategy of SMC together with a daily oral nutrients supplement will enhance the immune response and decrease the incidence of malaria and malnutrition among children under SMC coverage. Methods Children (6–59 months) under SMC coverage receiving vitamin A supplementation will be randomly assigned to one of the three study arms (a) SMC + vitamin A alone, (b) SMC + vitamin A + zinc, or (c) SMC + vitamin A + Plumpy’Doz™ using 1:1:1 allocation ratio. After each SMC monthly distribution, children will be visited at home to confirm drug administration and followed-up for 1 year. Anthropometric indicators will be recorded at each visit and blood samples will be collected for microscopy slides, haemoglobin measurement, and spotted onto filter paper for further PCR analyses. The primary outcome measure is the incidence of malaria in each arm. Secondary outcome measures will include mid-upper arm circumference and weight gain from baseline measurements, coverage and compliance to SMC, occurrence of adverse events (AEs), and prevalence of molecular markers of antimalarial resistance comprising Pfcrt, Pfmdr1, Pfdhfr, and Pfdhps. Discussion This study will demonstrate an integrated strategy of malaria and malnutrition programmes in order to mutualize resources for best impact. By relying on existing strategies, the policy implementation of this joint intervention will be scalable at country and regional levels. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04238845. Registered on 23 January 2020 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04238845

scholarly journals COVID-19 in West Africa: regional resource mobilisation and allocation in the first year of the pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. e004762
Author(s):  
Césaire Ahanhanzo ◽  
Ermel Ameswue Kpogbe Johnson ◽  
Ejemai Amaize Eboreime ◽  
Sombié Issiaka ◽  
Ben Idrissa Traoré ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
West Africa ◽  
Ebola Virus ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
First Year ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Response Strategies ◽  
African Health ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Resource Mobilisation

The world continues to battle the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Whereas many countries are currently experiencing the second wave of the outbreak; Africa, despite being the last continent to be affected by the virus, has not experienced as much devastation as other continents. For example, West Africa, with a population of 367 million people, had confirmed 412 178 cases of COVID-19 with 5363 deaths as of 14 March 2021; compared with the USA which had recorded almost 30 million cases and 530 000 deaths, despite having a slightly smaller population (328 million). Several postulations have been made in an attempt to explain this phenomenon. One hypothesis is that African countries have leveraged on experiences from past epidemics to build resilience and response strategies which may be contributing to protecting the continent’s health systems from being overwhelmed. This practice paper from the West African Health Organization presents experience and data from the field on how countries in the region mobilised support to address the pandemic in the first year, leveraging on systems, infrastructure, capacities developed and experiences from the 2014 Ebola virus disease outbreak.

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