Modifying Macronutrient Compositions
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Enhancing Vitamins/Minerals ___ Reducing Undesirable Components ___ Modifying Macronutrient Compositions
Macronutrients are substances that provide the body with energy - carbohydrates, proteins, and fats - which are vital components of the human diet. Genetic modification has been used to alter the levels of macronutrients produced by several crops to enhance their nutritional value.
Carbohydrates
Proteins
Fats/Oils
Proteins:
- Protein Enhanced Rice
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Traditionally, the main sources of protein have been meat and legumes. However, since some cultures, particularly in Asia, depend largely on their staple crop rice for nutrition, it is important that these cultures are able to receive sufficient protein in their diets. This might be achieved by expressing soybean protein in rice to enhance its protein quality. (Monsanto, 2004)
- Protein Enhanced PotatoesAs of January 2003, protein-rich GM potatoes - called "protatoes" - were in their final stages of testing to be approved for commercial use in India. These GM potatoes were created with the hopes of alleviating the widespread hunger problem in India, specifically by supplying poor and nutrient-deficient children with essential fatty acids (those humans cannot produce), including lysine and methionine. Deficiency in lysine can affect proper brain development.
The GM "protatoes" were created by the insertion of an AmA1 gene from the amaranth plant, a crop native to South America, enabling the potato crop to produce a thrird more protein than it naturally would. Since most Indians are vegetarians, their main sources of protein are pulses and legumes, but these are in short supply and are expensive. The potato crop was targeted because it is an inexpensive and relatively easy crop to grow in large quantities. (Coghlan, 2003)
Similar research has also been done for similar purposes with lysine-rich maize crops and protein-rich sweet potatoes.
