Vitamin A deficiency is a major problem in less economically developed countries (Figure 1).This is affecting mainly young children as around 250 million preschool children are vitamin A deficient. Pregnant women are also mainly affected. This is due to limited access to foods containing vitamin A as a result of poverty and something needs to be done about it. In humans it is important that we get the nutrients we need to function properly and efficiently however, not all people are receiving the nutrients they need, specifically vitamin A. Vitamin A is vital to humans as it promotes things like good eye health, resistance to infections , regular metabolism and tissue growth .Vitamin A can be found in fruits and vegetables (provitamin A) …show more content…
Rice can be genetically modified to produce beta carotene in the grain which is a type of pro-vitamin A. This process consists of ‘copying the genes which govern a particular characteristic from one organism and transferring them to another’ (GM Crops & the Envrionment: Benefits & Risks, 2000, p. 3).Originally, in 2000 the genes inserted was a plant phytoene synthase which came from a daffodil and the Erwinia uredovora carotene desaturase however, in 2005 through further testing at Syngenta’s Jealott’s Hill International Research Centre in Berkshire they found that by using the phytoene synthase in maize instead of the daffodil produced a better strain of golden rice. This new strain known as ‘golden rice 2’ has around 37 micrograms of provitamin A per gram of rice compared to 1.6 micrograms in the original. You can see this in the colour difference of the rice (figure2) as the newer rice is more orange due to the higher amount of beta carotene present . This can help reduce vitamin A deficiency and allow people in developing countries to get their recommended daily intake of vitamin A thus saving lives. This is because most developing countries eat rice as their main or only source of nutrition which does not contain Vitamin A so, by introducing this golden rice they are able to improve their vitamin A levels hence, a resistance to infections, prevention of blindness etc. …show more content…
This is because other genetically modified crops are being sold by corporations bringing in profit for them and not benefitting those in need. However, golden rice will be given to the local farmers in these developing countries for free and they will be able to grow and reproduce their own thus benefitting their economy and saving lives. This is because inventor Ingo Potrykus wanted this to be a gift that can really help developing countries. Predictions have already been made of how golden rice will impact the economy specifically in the Philippines by Zimmermann and Qaim who in 2002 conducted a study on the potential economic impacts of golden rice. They predict that the Philippines will benefit from around $23 million to $137 million annually. Furthermore they estimated that the amount of money that is required in the research and development of golden rice is around $13 million whereas $25 million goes into food supplement and vitamin fortification per year. This can show that golden rice is a cheaper method and a more sustainable one for those in the
Vitamin B12 deficiency limits selenium methylation and excretion resulting in higher tissue selenium levels and subsequent toxicity. It occurs in people whose digestive systems do not adequately absorb the vitamin from the foods they eat. Vegetarians who eat eggs and milk products are the most at risk because, on average, they consume less than half the adult vitamin B12 Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) while strict vegans (who don't eat any animal products, including meat, eggs, or milk) are at an even greater risk. Vitamin B12 is important since it works with the vitamin folate to make the body’s genetic material and help keep levels of the amino acid homocysteine in check which helps to decrease heart disease risk. It is also essential in the production of red blood cells which carry oxygen through the blood to the body’s tissues. Life Extension gives offers some of selenium supplements. Babies who are born of parents with low selenium and vitamin B12 rich foods are at risk of anaemia.
In 2011, the University Of Minnesota took women who take vitamins daily and studied them(Offit, Paul., 2013). The result was the same in that there was no supporting evidence that favors Pauling’s claims and statements. In conclusion, the general public believed the words of a man who had no specific evidence to support his own claims over researches done by trusted establishments who had evidence towards their own claims against Linus Pauling. Vitamin D is essential in many aspects especially during growth periods such as adolescents and infancy as indicated by Winston Koo and Nitin Walyat who are the respective authors of “Vitamin D and Skeletal Growth and Development”. Vitamin D is essential for the body as it helps development organ cells; without the development of organ cells, the body cannot fight against harsh diseases and it will eventually cause severe diseases which can lead to delayed growth rate(Koo, Winston ., 2013, p.188).. Children who drink breast milk are more prone to vitamin D deficiency because breast milk does not contain as many vitamins as mineral (Koo,
UV exposure to skin can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) that cause direct chemical alteration in collagen and increase matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) production leading to collagen break down. In addition, ROS produce mediators that cause skin inflammation. Vitamin C neutralizes ROS and is equally effective against UVA (320-400nm) and UVB (290-320 nm) that are produced due to UV exposure and causes skin-aging and sunburns respectively. Vitamin C is most effective as it exerts its action interacellularly and extracellularly (7).
Pamela Ronald, a plant geneticist, presented a Ted Talk “The case for engineering our food”, Ronald points out that engineered genetics for our plants is not harmful, yet better for our environment and health. “Now, genetic modification is not new; virtually everything we eat has been genetically modified in some manner”(Ronald).
There are no shortage of health supplements, treatments, and plans available on the market to help individuals achieve a better level of physical fitness. One of the most common and basic starting points that many choose is the simple act of taking a multivitamin. Multivitamins are used by children, teenagers, adults, and seniors in a variety of different forms. Citizens in the United States alone spend over twelve billion dollars on multivitamins each year.
Vision impairment is inevitable when Vitamin A is lacking in your system. In most cases, the issue of vision impairment abounds in the lives of children and even adults who don’t take foods rich in Vitamin A. When such is the case, the individuals involved will encounter series of vision problems such as night blindness, dry eye and so on. In most cases, mild deficiency of Vitamin causes bitots’ spots or changes in the conjunctiva. When the deficiency is very severe, dry eye will showcase.
Vitamin D deficiency is a widespread health problem, affecting up to 1 billion people worldwide.[1] It has gained increasing recognition in the developing world, including Sub- Saharan Africa (SSA) where sunshine prevails all year round.[2–4] Previous studies in SSA have found widely varying prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, affecting 9-49% of the normal population in a region well endowed with round the year sunshine.[5–7] Cultural norms, religious practices, skin pigmentation, malnutrition, diet, co-morbidities like tuberculosis, and drugs may contribute to vitamin D deficiency in this setting.[2, 3]
Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that plays an important role in DNA synthesis and nerve function. It is contained in high amounts in animal derived foods such as milk, eggs, and meat. The vitamin is stored in the liver long-term. Individuals with vegetarian, vegan, or other forms of restricted diet may develop the condition after approximately 6 months as liver stores of vitamin B12 become depleted. Some individuals develop the condition due to autoimmune destruction of cells in the stomach that produce intrinsic factor. Intrinsic factor is necessary for proper absorption of vitamin B12 in the small intestine.
Vitamin E is the general classification for a group of eight fat-soluble compounds of tocopherols and tocotrienols. Vitamin E functions primarily as an antioxidant, but also has other roles in the body [1].
When one hears the three words: vitamins, nutrients, and minerals, they think of one thing-being healthy and noticing what your intake is daily. Nutrition is all about vitamins and nutrients. Firstly, vitamins are an organic compound required by the body in small amounts of metabolism, to protect health, and for proper growth of children. Vitamins also assist in the formation of hormones, blood cells, nervous systems chemicals, and genetic material. There are 13 well-identified vitamins. Some examples of the 13 well-identified vitamins are: A, D, E, and K-fat contained foods, B, C-consumed immediately. A well known and commonly used in commercials for orange juice vitamin is vitamin C. Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is important in the synthesis and maintenance of connective tissues. The lack of vitamin C will result in a sickness called scurvy. Scurvy harms the gums, mucous membranes, and the skin. Another well-known vitamin and is also used to commercial to give more information about this beverage is the vitamin in milk. The vitamin in milk is vitamin D. If you do not drink milk and obtain this vitamin, your bones and teeth will become soft and weak. Lacking one or more of the 13 well-identified vitamins will cause sickness and weakness to your body. Secondly, nutrients are how the body assimilates certain compounds. Nutrients are classified in 5 major groups: proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. One of the five nutrients is carbohydrate. The carbohydrate group principally consists of sugar, starch, dextrin, cellulose, and glycogen. In more basic terms, carbohydrates are sugars needed by human and other living organisms. Some types of foods that contain carbohydrates would be candies, ice cream, fruit juice, soda, chocolate bars etc. Lastly, vitamins are connected to minerals. Minerals are also a very important part of a healthy person. There are 11 major groups of minerals. They are: calcium, chromium, copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, potassium, selenium, and zinc. All these terms look very familiar if one has taken chemistry. These are the elements of our world. One of the more common minerals that most people have heard of is calcium. Calcium also helps with the structure and strength of teeth and bones. Vitamins and minerals work together to help humans maintain a healthy body. For example, vitamin D works with calcium to help for and maintain the strength of teeth and bones.
According to scientists, genetically engineering crops contributes to their quality. Crops that have been genetically modified to have a particular trait can decrease the amount of herbicides needed for growing that crop. Additionally, genetically modified (GM) crops can help third world countries, where malnutrition is common. For example, to help diminish nutrient deficiencies in developing countries, “plans were underway to develop a golden rice that also has increased iron content”(Whitman 2). In addition, GM crops can be modified to be able to “withstand the environmental challenges of drought, disease, and insect infestation” (Swenson 1). Growing GM crops can also result in fruits and vegetables that stay fresh for a prolonged period of time and taste better.
My average intake is 66 mg. it is lower than the required Vitamin C intake. Deficiency in Vitamin C can develop scurvy, if vitamin C is missing on our diet. Oranges, lemon and other citrus fruits, bell pepper, kiwi broccoli, berries, tomatoes and papayas are rich in Vitamin C . Lack of Vitamin D on diet can develop rickets to small children. The required intake for this vitamins is 15microgram and my report is zero. Vitamin D can be achieved from exposure of skin to ultra violet rays of the sun. Vitamin E is responsible for transmission of nerve impulses, body weakness and eye problem that can cause blindness. My nutrient intake for Vitamin 10 mg AT and the require intake is 15 mg AT, which is 5 mg lower than the require amount. Food related to Vitamin E are green leafy vegies such as spinach, kale are rich in Vitamin E, in addition, broccoli, hazel nuts, squash and pumpkin are also rich in Vitamin E. My vitamin K intake is 3 microgram, way too low compared to the requirement which is 90 microgram. Vitamin K deficiency can cause hemorrhagic disease of new born. Food that gives Vitamin K are green leafy vegetables such as kale and spinach, canola oils, olive oils, and
Vitamin D plays an integral role in multiple systems in the human body, from its function in Calcium and Phosphorus metabolism, to modulation of the immune and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases (Grober et al. 2013). Unfortunately, factors such as diet, geographic position, and skin pigmentation are contributing to an increase of prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency around the world, consequently leading to a higher rate of associated illnesses. Namely, Cardiovascular Diseases such as Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), Hypertensive Vascular Disease, and Myocardial Infarction have been shown to be more common in people with lower levels of Vitamin D in their system (Lavie, Lee & Milani 2011).
Investigation into the effect of storage or cooking on the vitamin C content of a food substance:
Vitamins, a group of organic substances required in our diets in small amounts for growth and nutrition, are usually found in foodstuffs or taken as supplements. Yet vitamins probably present a wider gap between myth and reality in the layman's understanding than almost any other area of our diet. Surveys have found that while a majority of Americans do take vitamin supplements on a regular or occasional basis for reason of health concerns, there exists enormous confusion about the actual purpose and benefits of this practice ("Use of Vitamin and Mineral Supplements in the United States," 1990:161). Most people have a recognition that Vitamin C prevents scurvy, that Vitamin A is found in fish-liver oils, or that Vitamin D is found in dairy products; many people believe that Vitamin E preserves youth and prevents sterility, or that Vitamin C can present colds and cancer. Beyond this, however, there is still considerable ignorance and widespread myth.