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Approaches to reduce zinc and iron deficits in food systems

Gregory, Peter J.; Wahbi, Ammar; Adu-Gyamfi, Joseph; Heiling, Maria; Gruber, Roman; Joy, Edward J.M.; Broadley, Martin R.

Authors

Peter J. Gregory

Ammar Wahbi

Joseph Adu-Gyamfi

Maria Heiling

Roman Gruber

Edward J.M. Joy



Abstract

There is a deficit of mineral micronutrients in global food systems, known as ‘hidden hunger’, especially in the global south. This review focuses on zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe), whose entry into food systems depends primarily on soil and crop factors. Approaches to increase dietary supplies of Zn and Fe include: (1) supplementation, (2) food fortification, (3) dietary diversification, and (4) crop biofortification, including breeding and fertilizer-based approaches. Supply-based estimates indicate that Zn deficiency might be more widespread than Fe deficiency in sub-Saharan Africa, although there are major knowledge gaps at an individual biomarker level. Recent analytical advances, including the use of stable isotopes of Zn and Fe, can play an increasing role in improving our understanding of the movement of micronutrients in food systems, and thereby help to reduce the immense human cost of ‘hidden hunger’.

Citation

Gregory, P. J., Wahbi, A., Adu-Gyamfi, J., Heiling, M., Gruber, R., Joy, E. J., & Broadley, M. R. (2017). Approaches to reduce zinc and iron deficits in food systems. Global Food Security, 15, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gfs.2017.03.003

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Mar 30, 2017
Online Publication Date Apr 25, 2017
Publication Date 2017-12
Deposit Date Jun 23, 2017
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Global Food Security
Print ISSN 2211-9124
Electronic ISSN 2211-9124
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 15
Pages 1-10
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gfs.2017.03.003
Keywords Biofortification; Diet; Food supply; Micronutrient deficiency; Micronutrients; Stable isotopes
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/897957
Publisher URL http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211912416301390
Additional Information This article is maintained by: Elsevier; Article Title: Approaches to reduce zinc and iron deficits in food systems; Journal Title: Global Food Security; CrossRef DOI link to publisher maintained version: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gfs.2017.03.003; Content Type: article; Copyright: © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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