Combating Micronutrient Malnutrition With Biofortified Lentils

Abstract

Over two billion people in the developing world are malnourished and affected especially by micronutrient malnutrition. More than 47% of women and pre-school children in developing countries suffer from iron deficiency that impairs physical and mental growth. Zinc deficiency is also prevalent in the developing world that hampers growth and development, and weakens the immune system. Through genetic enhancements, ICARDA scientists have developed micronutrient-dense varieties of lentil, a staple diet of many poor people in the regions of South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. This biofortification of lentil with iron and zinc, has proved to be an effective measure to combat micronutrient malnutrition, the hidden hunger.