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Golden Rice: Combatting Vitamin A Deficiency

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15 views3 pages

Golden Rice: Combatting Vitamin A Deficiency

Uploaded by

Nao
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

GOLDEN RICE

Introduction
Golden Rice is a new type of rice that contains beta carotene (provitamin A, a plant pigment that the body
converts into vitamin A as needed). This compound is what gives this grain its yellow-orange or golden
color, hence its name. Golden Rice was engineered from normal rice by Ingo Potrykus and Peter Beyer in
the 1990s to help improve human health. Golden Rice has an engineered multi-gene biochemical pathway
in its genome. This pathway produces beta-carotene, a molecule that becomes vitamin A when metabolized
by humans.
Topic 1 : Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD)

• Definition of VAD
Vitamin A is one of the substrates that plays a role in regulating cell cycle mechanisms, especially
in the resting G1 and S phases. Vitamin A deficiency is a micronutrient deficiency condition that
is often found in developing countries, especially in childhood. In this condition, there can be
disturbances in vision, the immune system, metabolism, and cell development. Vitamin A
deficiency is the biggest cause of temporary blindness in children. This is because vitamin A is a
fat-soluble vitamin, cannot be synthesized by the body, and is an important element in supporting
vision, growth, and immune function.

• Countries with High VAD Rate


The World Health Organization has classified vitamin A deficiency as a public health problem
affecting about one third of children aged 6 to 59 months in 2013, with the highest rates in sub-
Saharan Africa (48 per cent) and South Asia (44 per cent). Despite the potential benefits of this key
child survival intervention, only 41 per cent of targeted children were reached in 2020, with West
and Central Africa achieving the lowest coverage at 29 per cent. Of 64 countries deemed
‘priorities’[3] for national-level vitamin A supplementation programmes, 48 had two-dose
coverage estimates available for 2020. Only 11 countries, achieved two-dose coverage of 80 per
cent or more in 2020. Future efforts will need to focus on strengthening systems so that more
children can be protected.

• Solution for VAD


A. Preventive Solutions
The diet should include dark green leafy vegetables, deep- or bright-colored fruits (eg, papayas,
oranges), carrots, and yellow vegetables (eg, squash, pumpkin). Vitamin A–fortified milk and
cereals, liver, egg yolks, and fish liver oils are helpful. Carotenoids are absorbed better when
consumed with some dietary fat. If milk allergy is suspected in infants, they should be given
adequate vitamin A in formula feedings.

B. Treatment Solution
Your healthcare provider will treat your vitamin A deficiency with high doses of a vitamin A
supplement for several days. After several days, they’ll have you take lower doses of vitamin
A until your vision and skin issues start to resolve. Vitamin A supplements can cure night
blindness and help lubricate your eyes again. However, vision loss due to scarring from corneal
ulcers can’t be cured. Infants shouldn’t take high doses of vitamin A because it can be toxic to
them. However, children can be treated with vitamin A supplements. And one of the solution
is eat food with high vitamin A naturally or with genetically modified organism (GMO) such
as golden rice.

Topic 2 : How Golden Rice Works

• Genetically Modified Food (GMO)


Genetically modified (GM) foods are foods derived from organisms whose genetic material (DNA)
has been modified in a way that does not occur naturally, e.g. through the introduction of a gene
from a different organism. The technology is often called “modern biotechnology” or “gene
technology”, sometimes also “recombinant DNA technology” or “genetic engineering”. Currently
available GM foods stem mostly from plants, but in the future foods derived from GM
microorganisms or GM animals are likely to be introduced on the market.

• How Golden Rice is Made


Process of making golden rice. Initially, millet provides 1.6 g/g beta-carotene. To achieve the ratio
of nutritional value, it is necessary to increase the level of beta-carotene. Phytoene synthase (PSY)
was identified as a factor influencing the level of provitamin A production, and the psy gene
extracted from rice and corn gave the highest beta-carotene yield. Several golden rice strains have
been developed to yield 37 g/g carotenoids containing 31 g/g beta-carotene. Therefore, 72g of
golden rice can achieve half of the adequate nutrient ratio which is considered sufficient to maintain
a healthy vitamin A requirement. Since the consumption of rice in developing countries is around
100-200g/child, the intake of vitamin A in yellow rice is considered. Very precise. When beta-
carotene is produced in yellow rice, the color of the rice changes to yellow-orange. The higher the
beta-carotene content in rice, the darker the color of the rice.

• Golden Rice compared to Wild Type Rice


The difference between golden rice and regular rice:
1. The color of golden rice is gold, while ordinary rice is white
2. Contains vitamin A because it contains beta carotene
3. Manufacture through genetic engineering
4. Can be used as medicine because it has more nutritional benefits

Topic 3 : Golden Rice Recent Years

• The Safety of Golden Rice


No potential public health and safety concerns were identified in the assessment of GR2E Golden
Rice. Collectively, the conclusion that food and/or livestock animal feed derived from provitamin
A biofortified GR2E rice is as safe as food or feed derived from conventional rice varieties.

• How People Respond to Golden Rice


The use of transgenic plants to date, is still reaping the pro and contra in society, especially in the
Asian region. The planting of golden rice in Asia started in 2011 but the trials were rejected in
several countries. People who are pro on the use of GM crops mainly look at the potential of using
GM crops to overcome the food crisis, and tend to think that the use of GMOs is not dangerous.
Meanwhile, people who are against the use of GMOs because they think GMO plants have not
been evaluated in detail for the safety of their consumption levels for humans, for the environment
and question the origin of the genes introduced into plants.

• Availability of Golden Rice


Bangladesh and the Philippines leading the pack. Golden Rice, created 20 years ago and intended
as an additional intervention to combat vitamin A deficiency, is closer to being released for
cultivation and human consumption in the Philippines and Bangladesh. Yet, significantly due to
rejection of science by activists, Golden Rice is not yet available to farmers and their communities
as an additional intervention for vitamin A deficiency.

Common questions

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Golden Rice differs from traditional white rice by its golden color, due to its enhanced beta-carotene content, which is not present in conventional white rice. This enriched nutritional profile is achieved through genetic engineering, specifically by incorporating the psy gene from rice and corn, which increases beta-carotene production. Unlike traditional rice, Golden Rice offers potential health benefits as it can help address vitamin A deficiency, providing a viable nutritional intervention .

Ethical considerations surrounding genetically modified foods, such as Golden Rice, include the potential impact on biodiversity, the long-term effects on health and the environment, and the moral implications of genetic manipulation of food sources. Additionally, there are concerns over the proprietary control of seed genetics by corporations and the dependency of farmers on these companies. The widespread deployment and acceptance of such interventions also raise questions about informed consent and public engagement in decision-making processes .

Golden Rice has faced significant societal and scientific challenges, particularly in Asia. Societally, there is resistance stemming from skepticism about GMOs, with concerns over the safety and environmental impact of genetically modified plants. Scientifically, despite Golden Rice being deemed as safe as conventional rice, detailed evaluations to affirm long-term safety and environmental sustainability are demanded by opponents. Proponents argue for its use as a solution to the food crisis and VAD, while opposition, often from activist groups, hinders its acceptance and implementation in Asian countries .

Golden Rice can significantly impact global food security and health by providing an alternative source of vitamin A, addressing deficiencies especially in developing countries with limited access to diverse diets. Its production can enhance nutritional intake in staple food crops, potentially reducing health issues related to VAD, such as vision problems and weakened immunity. Furthermore, it could serve as a model for other biofortified crops, thus contributing to broader food security and public health strategies .

Golden Rice is genetically engineered to contain beta-carotene, which the body can convert into vitamin A. This biofortified rice aims to combat Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD), a significant public health issue in developing countries, particularly affecting children. These countries often have high prevalence rates of VAD due to limited dietary access to vitamin A and associated micronutrients. The genetic modification enhances the rice's nutritional profile, potentially reducing the incidence of VAD-related conditions such as vision impairment and immune dysfunction .

Public perception plays a crucial role in the acceptance of Golden Rice, impacted by concerns about safety, environmental implications, and ethical issues of GMOs. Policymakers and scientists can manage this by increasing transparency, engaging in public education initiatives to provide balanced information about the benefits and risks, and involving community stakeholders in decision-making processes. Addressing misinformation and fostering trust through open scientific communication are key to improving public acceptance and effectively implementing such interventions .

Scientific assessments have identified no significant public health and safety concerns regarding the consumption of GR2E Golden Rice. Evaluations have concluded that food and animal feed derived from this biofortified rice are as safe as those from conventional rice varieties. Ongoing monitoring and rigorous testing protocols ensure any potential safety concerns are addressed, demonstrating a proactive approach to maintaining public confidence in GMOs .

The availability of Golden Rice in Bangladesh and the Philippines highlights an increasing drive towards integrating scientific innovations within global health interventions to combat micronutrient deficiencies. These countries reflect broader trends where strategic biofortification is utilized to enhance the nutritional quality of staple foods, thereby addressing public health challenges like VAD. However, this trend is also met with challenges due to socio-political opposition which can delay widespread implementation and impact, indicating the complex interface between science, society, and health policy .

Preventive dietary solutions for Vitamin A Deficiency include consuming foods rich in beta-carotene and vitamin A such as dark leafy greens, bright-colored fruits, and fortified foods like milk and cereals. These solutions can complement the use of Golden Rice by providing a diversified approach to nutrition. While Golden Rice offers a staple dietary source of vitamin A through rice consumption, these additional foods provide varied types of nutrients and dietary benefits, ensuring a holistic strategy against vitamin A deficiency .

The process of making Golden Rice involves genetic engineering, where the phytoene synthase (PSY) gene is introduced into the rice genome. The PSY gene, sourced from rice and maize, plays a crucial role in beta-carotene biosynthesis, significantly enhancing its level in rice. As a result, some developed strains have been able to achieve up to 37 g/g carotenoids, predominantly consisting of beta-carotene, providing a notable nutritional advantage over wild-type rice varieties, which do not naturally produce beta-carotene .

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