Map – Prevalence of vitamin A deficiency (1995 Data)
Golden Rice to counter Vitamin A deficiency | UPSC – IAS
Golden rice is a variety of rice (Oryza sativa) produced through genetic engineering to biosynthesize beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, in the edible parts of rice. It is intended to produce a fortified food to be grown and consumed in areas with a shortage of dietary vitamin A.
Golden rice is the collective name of rice varieties that are genetically modified to counter vitamin A deficiency in developing countries.
European scientists developed the first strain of Golden Rice towards the end of the 1990s.
Research has indicated that one cup of Golden Rice can provide up to 50 per cent of the daily requirement of an adult for vitamin A.
The Golden Rice can be grown just the same way we grow normal rice. There is no change in cost of cultivation.
It reduces water use by up to 30 per cent without any yield loss.
It should not be stored for more than three months. It may lose its nutrients after that.
Golden Rice and Provitamin A
Golden rice differs from standard rice in that it contains extra genes one from maize and one from bacterial origin together responsible for the production of provitamin A (beta-carotene) in the rice grain.
Provitamin A colors the grains yellow-orange, hence the name ‘Golden Rice’.
Once absorbed into the body, provitamin A is converted into vitamin A.
Provitamin A is found in many fruits and vegetables; it is also what makes carrots orange, for example.
Vitamin A deficiency | UPSC – IAS
Vitamin A deficiency generally occurs due to an imbalanced diet including limited access to fresh fruit, vegetables and animal products.
Persistent deficiency in this vital nutrient can result in blindness, illness and even death.
Vitamin A deficiency also compromises the immune system, which means children die from common diseases including diarrhea, respiratory tract infections and measles.
Map – Prevalence of vitamin A deficiency (1995 Data)
