Field Crop 2024, Vol.7, No.5, 278-286 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/fc 283 micronutrients in maize. The combination of soil and foliar applications of Zn and Fe was particularly successful in increasing the micronutrient content in the edible parts of the crop. Additionally, the study underscored the importance of selecting appropriate hybrids that respond well to biofortification practices. The results demonstrated that agronomic biofortification is a viable and sustainable approach to combat micronutrient deficiencies in regions heavily dependent on maize. These findings suggest that similar integrated nutrient management practices could be adapted and applied in other regions facing similar nutritional challenges (Grujcic et al., 2021; Kiran et al., 2022). 7 Impact on Human Health and Nutrition 7.1 Evidence of improved micronutrient intake through maize consumption Biofortified maize has shown significant potential in improving micronutrient intake among populations with limited access to diverse diets. For instance, a study conducted in Malawi demonstrated that the consumption of selenium-biofortified maize flour significantly increased serum selenium concentrations in women and children, indicating improved selenium intake through maize consumption (Joy et al., 2022). Additionally, research on biofortified fresh maize revealed that consuming 0.5 to 2 ears of fresh maize daily could supply substantial portions of the estimated average requirements for provitamin A, tryptophan, and zinc, further supporting the role of biofortified maize in enhancing micronutrient intake (Cabrera-Soto et al., 2018). 7.2 Assessment of the health outcomes from biofortified maize diets The health outcomes from diets incorporating biofortified maize are promising. The addressing hidden hunger with agronomy (AHHA) trial in Malawi showed that selenium-biofortified maize significantly improved selenium status among women of reproductive age and school-aged children, with no adverse events reported. This improvement in selenium status is crucial as selenium is vital for immune function and antioxidant defense. Moreover, a systematic review of biofortified crops highlighted that biofortified maize, along with other crops, has been effective in improving micronutrient status in real-world settings, particularly in farmer households (Huey et al., 2022). These findings underscore the positive health impacts of biofortified maize diets. 7.3 Potential long-term benefits of biofortification on public health The long-term benefits of biofortification on public health are substantial. Biofortification offers a sustainable and cost-effective strategy to address micronutrient deficiencies, which are prevalent in many developing regions (Kumar et al., 2022). By improving the nutritional quality of staple crops like maize, biofortification can help reduce the incidence of micronutrient deficiencies, thereby lowering the associated health risks such as impaired immune function, cognitive deficits, and increased morbidity and mortality (Dwivedi et al., 2023). Furthermore, the widespread adoption of biofortified crops has the potential to enhance overall public health outcomes by providing a consistent source of essential nutrients, contributing to better health and well-being on a population level. 8 Future Perspectives and Recommendations 8.1 Potential for expanding biofortification programs to other regions The potential for expanding biofortification programs to other regions is significant, particularly in areas where micronutrient deficiencies are prevalent. For instance, Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), Latin America, and South Asia are regions where maize biofortification could have a substantial impact due to the high prevalence of nutrient deficiencies (Goredema-Matongera et al., 2021). The success of biofortification in these regions can serve as a model for other areas facing similar challenges. Additionally, the variability in soil micronutrient deficiencies across different regions, such as the widespread zinc deficiency in SSA soils, suggests that tailored biofortification strategies could be developed to address specific regional needs (Kihara et al., 2020). Expanding these programs requires a comprehensive understanding of local soil conditions, crop varieties, and nutritional needs to ensure the effectiveness of biofortification efforts. 8.2 Opportunities for integrating agronomic biofortification with other nutritional interventions Integrating agronomic biofortification with other nutritional interventions presents a holistic approach to combating micronutrient deficiencies. Combining biofortification with traditional methods such as
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==