Mineral Biofortification of Vegetables as a Tool to Improve Human Diet

Plant synthetic biology as a tool to help eliminate hidden hunger

Agricultural systems are under increasing pressure from declining environmental conditions, a growing population, and changes in consumer preferences, resulting in widespread malnutrition-related illnesses. Improving plant nutritional content through biotechnology techniques such as synthetic biology is a promising strategy to help combat hidden hunger caused by the lack of affordable and healthy foods in human diets. Production of compounds usually found in animal-rich diets, such as vitamin D or omega-3 fatty acids, has been recently demonstrated in planta. Here, we review recent biotechnological approaches to biofortifying plants with vitamins, minerals, and other metabolites, and summarise synthetic biology advances that offer the opportunity to build on these early biofortification efforts.

Biofortification as a solution for addressing nutrient deficiencies and malnutrition

Malnutrition, defined as both undernutrition and overnutrition, is a major global health concern affecting millions of people. One possible way to address nutrient deficiency and combat malnutrition is through biofortification. A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted to explore the current state of biofortification research, including techniques, applications, effectiveness and challenges. Biofortification is a promising strategy for enhancing the nutritional condition of at-risk populations. Biofortified varieties of basic crops, including rice, wheat, maize and beans, with elevated amounts of vital micronutrients, such as iron, zinc, vitamin A and vitamin C, have been successfully developed using conventional and advanced technologies. Additionally, the ability to specifically modify crop genomes to improve their nutritional profiles has been made possible by recent developments in genetic engineering, such as CRISPR-Cas9 technology. The health conditions of people have been shown to improve and nutrient deficiencies were reduced when biofortified crops were grown. Particularly in environments with limited resources, biofortification showed considerable promise as a long-term and economical solution to nutrient shortages and malnutrition. To fully exploit the potential of biofortified crops to enhance public health and global nutrition, issues such as consumer acceptance, regulatory permitting and production and distribution scaling up need to be resolved. Collaboration among governments, researchers, non-governmental organizations and the private sector is essential to overcome these challenges and promote the widespread adoption of biofortification as a key part of global food security and nutrition strategies.

Biofortification of Plant- and Animal-Based Foods in Limiting the Problem of Microelement Deficiencies-A Narrative Review

With a burgeoning global population, meeting the demand for increased food production presents challenges, particularly concerning mineral deficiencies in diets. Micronutrient shortages like iron, iodine, zinc, selenium, and magnesium carry severe health implications, especially in developing nations. Biofortification of plants and plant products emerges as a promising remedy to enhance micronutrient levels in food. Utilizing agronomic biofortification, conventional plant breeding, and genetic engineering yields raw materials with heightened micronutrient contents and improved bioavailability. A similar strategy extends to animal-derived foods by fortifying eggs, meat, and dairy products with micronutrients. Employing "dual" biofortification, utilizing previously enriched plant materials as a micronutrient source for livestock, proves an innovative solution. Amid biofortification research, conducting in vitro and in vivo experiments is essential to assess the bioactivity of micronutrients from enriched materials, emphasizing digestibility, bioavailability, and safety. Mineral deficiencies in human diets present a significant health challenge. Biofortification of plants and animal products emerges as a promising approach to alleviate micronutrient deficiencies, necessitating further research into the utilization of biofortified raw materials in the human diet, with a focus on bioavailability, digestibility, and safety.

Biochelates from Spent Coffee Grounds Increases Iron Levels in Dutch Cucumbers but Affects Their Antioxidant Capacity

Spent coffee grounds (SCG) are a type of food waste and are produced in abundance around the world. However, their utilization as a soil organic amendment is challenging due to their phytotoxic effect. In the present work, the impact of agronomic biofortification on Dutch cucumbers was investigated using different chemically modified SCG and analyzing their effects on iron contents, their capacity for releasing antioxidants, and the production of short-chain fatty acids after in vitro digestion-fermentation. The results indicated variations in the iron contents and chemical compositions of cucumbers according to the treatment groups. Functionalized and activated hydrochar from SCG increased Fe levels in cucumbers. Although activated hydrochar obtained at 160 °C and functionalized with Fe showed the highest iron supply per serving, differences in antioxidant capacity and short-chain fatty acid production were observed between the groups. It is concluded that growing conditions and the presence of iron may significantly influence the contribution of these cucumbers to the dietary intake of nutrients and antioxidants, which could have important implications for human health and nutrition.

Zn Biofortification of Dutch Cucumbers with Chemically Modified Spent Coffee Grounds: Zn Enrichment and Nutritional Implications

Spent coffee grounds (SCGs) are a food waste with a large generation around the world. However, their utilization as a soil organic amendment is difficult due to their phytotoxic effect. In the present work, the impact of agronomic biofortification on Dutch cucumbers was studied by using different chemically modified SCGs, analyzing their effects on Zn content, the release of antioxidant capacity and the production of short-chain fatty acids after in vitro digestion-fermentation. The results indicated variations in the Zn content and chemical composition of cucumbers according to the treatment groups. The functionalized with Zn and activated SCGs were able to increase Zn levels in cucumbers. Meanwhile, the activated hydrochar obtained at 160 °C and the activated and functionalized with Zn SCGs showed the highest Zn supply per serving. Differences in the antioxidant capacity and short-chain fatty acid production were observed between the groups. It is concluded that the growing conditions and the presence of Zn may significantly influence the contribution of these cucumbers to the dietary intake of nutrients and antioxidants, which could have important implications for human health and nutrition.

Soilless cultivation systems to produce tailored microgreens for specific nutritional needs

BACKGROUND

The awareness of the importance of following dietary recommendations that meet specific biological requirements related to an individual's health status has significantly increased interest in personalized nutrition. The aim of this research was to test agronomic protocols based on soilless cultivation for providing consumers with new dietary sources of iodine (I), as well as alternative vegetable products to limit dietary potassium (K) intake; proposed cultivation techniques were evaluated according to their suitability to obtain such products without compromising agronomic performance.

RESULTS

Two independent experiments, focused on I and K respectively, were conducted in a commercial greenhouse specializing in soilless production. Four different species were cultivated using three distinct concentrations of I (0, 1.5 and 3 mg L-1 ) and K (0, 60 and 120 mg L-1 ). Microgreens grown in I-rich nutrient solution accumulate more I, and the increase is dose-dependent. Compared to unbiofortified microgreens, the treatments with 1.5 and 3 mg L-1 of I resulted in 4.5 and 14 times higher I levels, respectively. Swiss chard has the highest levels of K (14 096 mg kg-1 of FW), followed by rocket, pea and radish. In radish, rocket and Swiss chard, a total reduction of K content in the nutrient solution (0 mg L-1 ) resulted in an average reduction of 45% in K content.

CONCLUSION

It is possible to produce I-biofortified microgreens to address I deficiency, and K-reduced microgreens for chronic kidney disease-affected people. Species selection is crucial to customize nutritional profiles according to specific dietary requirements due to substantial mineral content variations across different species. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of dietary minerals deficiency and supplementation on different parts of muscle minerals content in grazing Mongolian sheep

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of dietary deficiency and supplementation of calcium, zinc, copper, cobalt, manganese or selenium on minerals content in the longissimus dorsi (LD), biceps femoris (BF) and triceps brachii (TB) of grazing Mongolian sheep.

Methods

We randomly divided 98 sheep into 7 treatment groups and fed them specific diets for 60 days: a total mineral nutrition diet (LCG), a calcium deficiency diet (LCa), a zinc deficiency diet (LZn), a copper deficiency diet (LCu), a cobalt deficiency diet (LCo), a manganese deficiency diet (LMn) and a selenium deficiency diet (LSe). Then 7 sheep from each group were slaughtered and samples of LD, BF and TB were collected for mineral content analysis. The remaining sheep in each group were subsequently fed specific diets for an additional 41 days: a total mineral nutrition diet (SCG), a calcium supplementation diet (SCa), a zinc supplementation diet (SZn), a copper supplementation diet (SCu), a cobalt supplementation diet (SCo), a manganese supplementation diet (SMn) and a selenium supplementation diet (SSe). Afterward, all sheep were slaughtered, and muscle samples were collected and analyzed.

Results

Significant findings emerged that LCa decreased sulfur (S) content in BF and increased Ca content in LD and BF, while SCa increased S and Ca content in BF and TB, respectively (P < 0.05). LZn decreased Zn, S, and potassium (K) content in LD and BF, while SZn increased Zn and S content in LD and BF, respectively (P < 0.05). LCu decreased Cu and iron (Fe) content in LD and TB, while SCu increased Fe content in TB (P < 0.05). LCo decreased phosphorus, S, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn content in LD (P < 0.05). LMn decreased Mn content and increased K content in TB, while SMn decreased K content in BF and TB (P < 0.05). LSe and SSe decreased and increased Se content in LD, BF, and TB, respectively (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Dietary mineral levels have varying effects on lamb meat minerals content. It is important to ensure an adequate intake of minerals in the diet to enhance the mineral nutrition of lamb meat.

Application of Salicylic Acid Derivative in Modifying the Iron Nutritional Value of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)

The present experiment addressed the effects of foliar sprays of different iron (Fe) concentrations (mg L-1), i.e., 2.8 (Fe I), 4.2 (Fe II), and 5.6 (Fe III), as well as an ionic derivative of salicylic acid (iSal) in two doses (10 and 20 mg L-1) on lettuce yield, chlorophyll and carotenoids content, and fluorescence parameters. Chemicals were used individually and in combinations two times, 23 and 30 days after the plants were transplanted. This experiment was carried out in a climate chamber. The Fe and iSal applications generally (except Fe I iSal, 10 mg L-1; Fe I iSal, 20 mg L-1; and Fe III iSal, 20 mg L-1) did not influence the fresh and dry matter content. The concentration of chlorophylls and carotenoids was reduced for all treatments in comparison to the control (without spraying). The Fe content in leaves was promoted in the Fe-treated plants (+70% for Fe III + iSal, 10 mg L-1, and Fe I). The iSal treatment promoted the Mn content. For most combinations, the Zn and Cu accumulations, as well as the fluorescence parameters, decreased after the foliar spray applications. Overall, our study revealed the effectiveness of Fe-DTPA chelate, but not iSal, in increasing the Fe content of lettuce grown in soilless cultivation systems.

Bioaccumulation Capacity of Onion (Allium cepa L.) Tested with Heavy Metals in Biofortification

On a worldwide scale, A. cepa is among the most commonly consumed vegetables. In Europe, the leading onion producers are Russia, the Netherlands, Spain, Poland and Germany. In this study, the bioaccumulation of heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Zn, Ni, Fe, Mn, Co, Sr, Cd and Pb) by Allium cepa L. plants was followed under hydroponic conditions. The heavy metals were applied at six concentrations (0, 25, 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg L-1) over three weeks. The quantitative analysis of selected heavy metals in plant tissues (bulbs, roots and assimilation leaves) was performed using atomic absorption spectrometry with flame atomization (F-AAS). The accumulation of metal ions was strongly dependent on their concentrations in the solution and the analyzed parts of plants. The highest accumulation of metal ions was confirmed for the roots and ranged from 8.48 to 5912.34 µg g-1 DW (dry weight). All parts of A. cepa were characterized by the high accumulation of Mn2+. The lowest accumulation was confirmed for Co2+ in the roots, Pb2+ in the assimilation leaves and Cu2+ in the bulbs of onion. Moreover, the study showed that the highest concentrations of heavy metals decreased the growth of bulbs and even caused them to die off. In contrast, lower concentrations of some elements stimulated plant development.

Biofortification revisited: Addressing the role of beneficial soil microbes for enhancing trace elements concentration in staple crops

Trace element deficiency is a pervasive issue contributing to malnutrition on a global scale. The primary cause of this hidden hunger is related to low dietary intake of essential trace elements, which is highly prevalent in numerous regions across the world. To address deficiency diseases in humans, fortification of staple crops with vital trace elements has emerged as a viable solution. Current methods for fortifying crops encompass chemical amendments, genetic breeding, and transgenic approaches, yet these approaches possess certain limitations, constraining their agricultural application. In contrast, fortifying staple crops through the utilization of soil-beneficial microbes has emerged as a promising and economically feasible approach to enhance trace element content in crops. A specific subset of these beneficial soil microbes, referred to as plant growth-promoting microbes, have demonstrated their ability to influence the interactions between plants, soil, and minerals. These microbes facilitate the transport of essential soil minerals, such as zinc, iron, and selenium, into plants, offering the potential for the development of tailored bioinoculants that can enhance the nutritional quality of cereals, pulses, and vegetable crops. Nevertheless, further research efforts are necessary to comprehensively understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the uptake, transport, and augmentation of trace element concentrations in staple crops. By delving deeper into these mechanisms, customized bioinoculants of soil-beneficial microbes can be developed to serve as highly effective strategies in combating trace element deficiency and promoting global nutritional well-being.

Mapping QTL for Mineral Accumulation and Shoot Dry Biomass in Barley under Different Levels of Zinc Supply

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is a common limiting factor in agricultural soils, which leads to significant reduction in both the yield and nutritional quality of agricultural produce. Exploring the quantitative trait loci (QTL) for shoot and grain Zn accumulation would help to develop new barley cultivars with greater Zn accumulation efficiency. In this study, two glasshouse experiments were conducted by growing plants under adequate and low Zn supply. From the preliminary screening of ten barley cultivars, Sahara (0.05 mg/pot) and Yerong (0.06 mg/pot) showed the lowest change in shoot Zn accumulation, while Franklin (0.16 mg/pot) had the highest change due to changes in Zn supply for plant growth. Therefore, the double haploid (DH) population derived from Yerong × Franklin was selected to identify QTL for shoot mineral accumulation and biomass production. A major QTL hotspot was detected on chromosome 2H between 31.91 and 73.12 cM encoding genes for regulating shoot mineral accumulations of Zn, Fe, Ca, K and P, and the biomass. Further investigation demonstrated 16 potential candidate genes for mineral accumulation, in addition to a single candidate gene for shoot biomass in the identified QTL region. This study provides a useful resource for enhancing nutritional quality and yield potential in future barley breeding programs.

Biofortification of baby leafy vegetables using nutrient solution containing selenium

BACKGROUND

Biofortification of vegetables is an important innovation technique in the horticultural sector. Vegetables can be a vector of different minor elements that have beneficial effects on human health. Selenium (Se) is an important element for human nutrition and plays a significant role in defence mechanisms. The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of Se in the nutrient solutions on the crop biofortification ability, yield, and quality parameters of four baby leafy vegetables destined to the minimally processed industry. Experiments were performed on lamb's lettuce, lettuce, wild rocket, and spinach. These crops were cultivated in the floating systems with nutrient solution enriched with 0, 2.6, 3.9, and 5.2 μmol L-1 Se provided as sodium selenate.

RESULTS

At harvest, Se concentrations, yield, nitrate concentration, sugars, and some mineral elements were measured. Data collected and analyses showed that yield, nitrate, sucrose, and reducing sugars were not affected by Se treatments, even if varied among species. Se concentrations linearly increased in leaves of different species by increasing the Se concentration in the nutrient solution. Rocket was the species with the highest accumulation ability and reached a concentration of 11 μg g-1 fresh weight Se in plants grown with 5.2 μmol L-1 Se.

CONCLUSION

A floating system with Se-enriched nutrient solution is an optimal controlled growing biofortification system for leafy vegetables. The accumulation ability decreased in different species in the order wild rocket, spinach, lettuce, and lamb's lettuce, highlighting a crop-dependent behaviour and their attitude to biofortification. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Iodine Biofortification of Dandelion Plants (Taraxacum officinale F.H. Wiggers Coll.) with the Use of Inorganic and Organic Iodine Compounds

Iodine is a crucial microelement necessary for the proper functioning of human and animal organisms. Plant biofortification has been proposed as a method of improving the iodine status of the population. Recent studies in that field have revealed that iodine may also act as a beneficial element for higher plants. The aim of the work was to evaluate the efficiency of the uptake and accumulation of iodine in the plants of dandelion grown in a pot experiment. During cultivation, iodine was applied through fertigation in inorganic (KI, KIO3) and organic forms (5-iodosalicylic acid, 5-ISA; 3,5-diiodosalicylic acid, 3,5-diISA) at two concentrations (10 and 50 µM). The contents of total iodine and iodosalicylic acids, as well the plant biomass and antioxidant capacity of dandelion leaves and roots, were analyzed. The uptake of inorganic and organic forms by dandelion plants was confirmed with no negative effect on plant growth. The highest efficiency of improving iodine content in dandelion leaves and roots was noted for 50 µM KI. The applicability of iodosalicylates, especially 5-ISA, for plant biofortification purposes was confirmed, particularly as the increase in the iodine content after the application of 5-ISA was higher as compared to that with commonly used KIO3. The chemical analyses have revealed that iodosalicylates are endogenous compounds of dandelion plants.

UV-C Seed Surface Sterilization and Fe, Zn, Mg, Cr Biofortification of Wheat Sprouts as an Effective Strategy of Bioelement Supplementation

Metalloenzymes play an important role in the regulation of many biological functions. An effective way to prevent deficiencies of essential minerals in human diets is the biofortification of plant materials. The process of enriching crop sprouts under hydroponic conditions is the easiest and cheapest to conduct and control. In this study, the sprouts of the wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties Arkadia and Tonacja underwent biofortification with Fe, Zn, Mg, and Cr solutions in hydroponic media at four concentrations (0, 50, 100, and 200 µg g-1) over four and seven days. Moreover, this study is the first to combine sprout biofortification with UV-C (λ = 254 nm) radiation treatment for seed surface sterilization. The results showed that UV-C radiation was effective in suppressing seed germination contamination by microorganisms. The seed germination energy was slightly affected by UV-C radiation but remained at a high level (79-95%). The influence of this non-chemical sterilization process on seeds was tested in an innovative manner using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and EXAKT thin-section cutting. The applied sterilization process reduced neither the growth and development of sprouts nor nutrient bioassimilation. In general, wheat sprouts easily accumulate Fe, Zn, Mg, and Cr during the applied growth period. A very strong correlation between the ion concentration in the media and microelement assimilation in the plant tissues (R2 > 0.9) was detected. The results of the quantitative ion assays performed with atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) using the flame atomization method were correlated with the morphological evaluation of sprouts in order to determine the optimum concentration of individual elements in the hydroponic solution. The best conditions were indicated for 7-day cultivation in 100 µg g-1 of solutions with Fe (218% and 322% better nutrient accumulation in comparison to the control condition) and Zn (19 and 29 times richer in zinc concentration compared to the sprouts without supplementation). The maximum plant product biofortification with magnesium did not exceed 40% in intensity compared to the control sample. The best-developed sprouts were grown in the solution with 50 µg g-1 of Cr. In contrast, the concentration of 200 µg g-1 was clearly toxic to the wheat sprouts.

Vegetables with Enhanced Iron Bioavailability-German Consumers' Perceptions of a New Approach to Improve Dietary Iron Supply

Iron deficiency is still widespread as a major health problem even in countries with adequate food supply. It mainly affects women but also vegans, vegetarians, and athletes and can lead to various clinical pictures. Biofortification of vitamin C-rich vegetables with iron may be one new approach to face this nutritional challenge. However, so far, little is known about the consumer acceptance of iron-biofortified vegetables, particularly in developed countries. To address this issue, a quantitative survey of 1000 consumers in Germany was conducted. The results showed that depending on the type of vegetable, between 54% and 79% of the respondents were interested in iron-biofortified vegetables. Regression analysis showed a relationship between product acceptance, gender, and area of residence. In addition, relationships were found between consumer preferences for enjoyment, sustainability, and naturalness. Compared to functional food and dietary supplements, 77% of respondents would prefer fresh iron-rich vegetables to improve their iron intake. For a market launch, those iron-rich vegetables appear especially promising, which can additionally be advertised with claims for being rich in vitamin C and cultivated in an environmentally friendly way. Consumers were willing to pay EUR 0.10 to EUR 0.20 more for the iron-biofortified vegetables.

Yield and Nutraceutical Value of Lettuce and Basil Improved by a Microbial Inoculum in Greenhouse Experiments

Members of Bacillus spp. have been widely used to enrich the soil/root interface to provide plant growth promoting activities. A new isolate, namely to Bacillus sp. VWC18, has been tested under greenhouse conditions in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) pots at different concentrations (10³, 10⁵, 10⁷, and 10⁹ CFU·mL^-1) and application time (single inoculum at transplant and multiple inoculum every ten days) to evaluate the best application dose and frequency. Analysis of foliar yield, main nutrients, and minerals evidenced a significant response for all applications. The lowest (10³ CFU·mL^-1) and the highest doses (10⁹ CFU·mL^-1), applied every ten days until harvest, had the greatest efficacy; the nutrient yield (N, K, P, Na, Ca, Fe, Mg, Mn, Cu, and B) increased more than twice. A new randomized block design with three replicates was then performed in lettuce and basil (Ocinum basilicum L.), with the two best performing concentrations applied every ten days. In addition to previous analysis, root weight, chlorophyll, and carotenoids were also examined. Both experiments confirmed the previous results: inoculation of the substrate with Bacillus sp. VWC18 promoted plant growth, chlorophyll, and mineral uptake in both crop species. Root weight duplicated or triplicated compared to control plants, and chlorophyll concentration reached even higher values. Both parameters had a dose-dependent increase.

Zinc biofortification of Genovese basil: Influence on mineral profile and estimated daily intake in adults and children

Despite the well-known beneficial function of Zn in human health, its deficiency is an increasingly recognized worldwide concern. In this work, we evaluated the agronomic biofortification of two basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) cultivars ('Aroma 2' and 'Eleonora') using nutrient solutions with different Zn concentrations (0, 12.5, 25, 37.5, and 50 µM). We focused on the impact of biofortification on the mineral profile quantified by ICP OES. Compared to the control, biofortification treatments increased Zn concentration by 22.03 % (on average). Consumption of one serving of 50 µM of Zn biofortified basil 'Aroma 2' guarantees an estimated daily intake (EDI) of 275.746 and 91.915 µg day^-1 in adults and children, respectively. Furthermore, Zn biofortification positively affected the mineral profile of the leaves. Compared to the control, the B₅₀ dose of Zn (50 μM of Zn) increased the EDI of macro and microelements in adults and children. This aspect highlights how biofortified basil consumption would improve consumers' nutritional status.

Selenium seed priming enhanced the growth of salt-stressed Brassica rapa L. through improving plant nutrition and the antioxidant system

Various abiotic stresses may affect the germination, growth, and yield of direct-seeded vegetable crops. Seed priming with effective antioxidant mediators may alleviate these environmental stresses by maintaining uniformity in seed germination and improving the subsequent health of developing seedlings. Salt-induced stress has become a limiting factor for the successful cultivation of Brassica rapa L., especially in Southeast Asian countries. The present study was performed to elucidate the efficacy of seed priming using selenium (Se) in mitigating salt-induced oxidative stress in turnip crops by reducing the uptake of Na⁺. In this study, we administered three different levels of Se (Se-1, 75 μmol L^-1; Se-2, 100 μmol L^-1; and Se-3, 125 μmol L^-1) alone or in combination with NaCl (200 mM). Conspicuously, salinity and Se-2 modulated the expression levels of the antioxidant genes, including catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). The upregulated expression of stress-responsive genes alleviated salt stress by scavenging the higher reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. The stress ameliorative potential of Se (Se-2 = 100 μmol L^-1) enhanced the final seed germination percentage, photosynthetic content, and seedling biomass production up to 48%, 56%, and 51%, respectively, under stress. The advantageous effects of Se were attributed to the alleviation of salinity stress through the reduction of the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), proline, and H₂O₂. Generally, treatment with Se-2 (100 μmo L^-1) was more effective in enhancing the growth attributes of B. rapa compared to Se-1 (75 μmo L^-1) and Se-3 (125 μmo L^-1) under salt-stressed and non-stressed conditions. The findings of the current study advocate the application of the Se seed priming technique as an economical and eco-friendly approach for salt stress mitigation in crops grown under saline conditions.

The Role of Membrane Transporters in the Biofortification of Zinc and Iron in Plants

Over three billion people suffer from various health issues due to the low supply of zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) in their food. Low supply of micronutrients is the main cause of malnutrition and biofortification could help to solve this issue. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of biofortification is challenging. The membrane transporters are involved in the uptake, transport, storage, and redistribution of Zn and Fe in plants. These transporters are also involved in biofortification and help to load the Zn and Fe into the endosperm of the seeds. Very little knowledge is available on the role and functions of membrane transporters involved in seed biofortification. Understanding the mechanism and role of membrane transporters could be helpful to improve biofortification. In this review, we provide the details on membrane transporters involved in the uptake, transport, storage, and redistribution of Zn and Fe. We also discuss available information on transporters involved in seed biofortification. This review will help plant breeders and molecular biologists understand the importance and implications of membrane transporters for seed biofortification.

Zinc biofortification through seed nutri-priming using alternative zinc sources and concentration levels in pea and sunflower microgreens

Micronutrient deficiencies caused by malnutrition and hidden hunger are a growing concern worldwide, exacerbated by climate change, COVID-19, and conflicts. A potentially sustainable way to mitigate such challenges is the production of nutrient-dense crops through agronomic biofortification techniques. Among several potential target crops, microgreens are considered suitable for mineral biofortification because of their short growth cycle, high content of nutrients, and low level of anti-nutritional factors. A study was conducted to evaluate the potential of zinc (Zn) biofortification of pea and sunflower microgreens via seed nutri-priming, examining the effect of different Zn sources (Zn sulfate, Zn-EDTA, and Zn oxide nanoparticles) and concentrations (0, 25, 50, 100, and 200 ppm) on microgreen yield components; mineral content; phytochemical constituents such as total chlorophyll, carotenoids, flavonoids, anthocyanin, and total phenolic compounds; antioxidant activity; and antinutrient factors like phytic acid. Treatments were arranged in a completely randomized factorial block design with three replications. Seed soaked in a 200 ppm ZnSO₄ solution resulted in higher Zn accumulation in both peas (126.1%) and sunflower microgreens (229.8%). However, an antagonistic effect on the accumulation of other micronutrients (Fe, Mn, and Cu) was seen only in pea microgreens. Even at high concentrations, seed soaking in Zn-EDTA did not effectively accumulate Zn in both microgreens' species. ZnO increased the chlorophyll, total phenols, and antioxidant activities compared to Zn-EDTA. Seed soaking in ZnSO₄ and ZnO solutions at higher concentrations resulted in a lower phytic acid/Zn molar ratio, suggesting the higher bioaccessibility of the biofortified Zn in both pea and sunflower microgreens. These results suggest that seed nutrient priming is feasible for enriching pea and sunflower microgreens with Zn. The most effective Zn source was ZnSO₄, followed by ZnO. The optimal concentration of Zn fertilizer solution should be selected based on fertilizer source, target species, and desired Zn-enrichment level.

Fighting Obesity-Related Micronutrient Deficiencies through Biofortification of Agri-Food Crops with Sustainable Fertilization Practices

Obesity is a critical medical condition worldwide that is increasingly involved with nutritional derangements associated with micronutrient deficiencies, including iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, selenium, and vitamins A, C, D, and E. Nutritional deficiencies in obesity are mainly caused by poor-quality diets, higher nutrient requirements, alterations in micronutrient metabolism, and invasive obesity treatments. The current conventional agricultural system is designed for intensive food production, focusing on food quantity rather than food quality, consuming excessive agricultural inputs, and producing nutrient-deficient foods, thus generating severe health and environmental problems; agricultural food products may worsen obesity-related malnutrition. Therefore, modern agriculture is adopting new biofortification technologies to combat micronutrient deficiencies and improve agricultural productivity and sustainability. Biofertilization and nanofertilization practices are increasingly used due to their efficiency, safety, and reduced environmental impact. Biofertilizers are preparations of PGP-microorganisms that promote plant growth by influencing plant metabolism and improving the nutrient uptake, and nanofertilizers consist of synthesized nanoparticles with unique physicochemical properties that are capable of increasing plant nutrition and enriching agricultural products. This review presents the current micronutrient deficiencies associated with obesity, the modern unsustainable agri-food system contributing to obesity progression, and the development of bio- and nanofertilizers capable of biofortifying agri-food crops with micronutrients commonly deficient in patients with obesity.

Improving nutrition through biofortification-A systematic review

Nutritious foods are essential for human health and development. However, malnutrition and hidden hunger continue to be a challenge globally. In most developing countries, access to adequate and nutritious food continues to be a challenge. Although hidden hunger is less prevalent in developed countries compared to developing countries where iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) deficiencies are common. The United Nations (UN) 2nd Sustainable Development Goal was set to eradicate malnutrition and hidden hunger. Hidden hunger has led to numerous cases of infant and maternal mortalities, and has greatly impacted growth, development, cognitive ability, and physical working capacity. This has influenced several countries to develop interventions that could help combat malnutrition and hidden hunger. Interventions such as dietary diversification and food supplementation are being adopted. However, fortification but mainly biofortification has been projected to be the most sustainable solution to malnutrition and hidden hunger. Plant-based foods (PBFs) form a greater proportion of diets in certain populations; hence, fortification of PBFs is relevant in combating malnutrition and hidden hunger. Agronomic biofortification, plant breeding, and transgenic approaches are some currently used strategies in food crops. Crops such as cereals, legumes, oilseeds, vegetables, and fruits have been biofortified through all these three strategies. The transgenic approach is sustainable, efficient, and rapid, making it suitable for biofortification programs. Omics technology has also been introduced to improve the efficiency of the transgenic approach.

Zinc biofortification of hydroponically grown basil: Stress physiological responses and impact on antioxidant secondary metabolites of genotypic variants

Ocimum basilicum L. is an aromatic plant rich in bioactive metabolites beneficial to human health. The agronomic biofortification of basil with Zn could provide a practical and sustainable solution to address Zn deficiency in humans. Our research appraised the effects of biofortification implemented through nutrient solutions of different Zn concentration (12.5, 25.0, 37.5, and 50 µM) on the yield, physiological indices (net CO₂ assimilation rate, transpiration, stomatal conductance, and chlorophyll fluorescence), quality, and Zn concentration of basil cultivars 'Aroma 2' and 'Eleonora' grown in a floating raft system. The ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP antioxidant activities were determined by UV-VIS spectrophotometry, the concentrations of phenolic acids by mass spectrometry using a Q Extractive Orbitrap LC-MS/MS, and tissue Zn concentration by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Although increasing the concentration of Zn in the nutrient solution significantly reduced the yield, this reduction was less evident in 'Aroma 2'. However, regardless of cultivar, the use of the maximum dose of Zn (50 µM) increased the concentration of carotenoids, polyphenols, and antioxidant activity on average by 19.76, 14.57, and 33.72%, respectively, compared to the Control. The significant positive correlation between Zn in the nutrient solution and Zn in plant tissues underscores the suitability of basil for soilless biofortification programs.

Soilless biofortification, bioaccessibility, and bioavailability: Signposts on the path to personalized nutrition

Propelled by an ever-growing awareness about the importance of following dietary recommendations meeting specific biological requirements linked to a person health status, interest in personalized nutrition is on the rise. Soilless biofortification of vegetables has opened the door to the potential for adapting vegetable production to specific dietary requirements. The evolution of vegetables biofortification toward tailored food is examined focusing on some specific categories of people in a context of personalized nutrition instead to simple describe developments in vegetables biofortification with reference to the single element or compound not adequately present in the daily diet. The concepts of bioavailability and bioaccessibility as a useful support tool for the precision biofortification were detailed. Key prospects for challenges ahead aiming to combine product quality and sustainable are also highlighted. Hydroponically cultivation of vegetables with low potassium content may be effective to obtain tailored leafy and fruit vegetable products for people with impaired kidney function. Simultaneous biofortification of calcium, silicon, and boron in the same vegetable to obtain vegetable products useful for bone health deserve further attention. The right dosage of the lithium in the nutrient solution appears essential to obtain tailored vegetables able to positively influence mental health in groups of people susceptible to mental illness. Modulate nitrogen fertilization may reduce or enhance nitrate in vegetables to obtain tailored products, respectively, for children and athletes. Future research are needed to produce nickel-free vegetable products for individuals sensitized to nickel. The multidisciplinary approach toward tailored foods is a winning one and must increasingly include a synergy between agronomic, biological, and medical skills.

Leaf elemental composition analysis in spider plant [Gynandropsis gynandra L. (Briq.)] differentiates three nutritional groups

Understanding the genetic variability within a plant species is paramount in implementing a successful breeding program. Spider plant (Gynandropsis gynandra) is an orphan leafy vegetable and an extraordinary source of vitamins, secondary metabolites and minerals, representing an important resource for combatting malnutrition. However, an evaluation of the leaf elemental composition, using a worldwide germplasm collection to inform breeding programs and the species valorization in human nutrition is still lacking. The present study aimed to profile the leaf elemental composition of G. gynandra and depict any potential geographical signature using a collection of 70 advanced lines derived from accessions originating from Asia and Eastern, Southern and West Africa. The collection was grown in a greenhouse using a 9 × 8 alpha lattice design with two replications in 2020 and 2021. Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry was used to profile nine minerals contents. A significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed among the lines for all nine minerals. Microelements such as iron, zinc, copper and manganese contents ranged from 12.59-430.72, 16.98-166.58, 19.04-955.71, 5.39-25.10 mg kg^-1 dry weight, respectively, while the concentrations of macroelements such as potassium, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium varied in the ranges of 9992.27-49854.23, 8252.80-33681.21, 3633.55-14216.16, 2068.03-12475.60 mg kg^-1 dry weight, respectively. Significant and positive correlations were observed between iron and zinc and calcium and magnesium. Zinc, calcium, phosphorus, copper, magnesium, and manganese represented landmark elements in the genotypes. Eastern and Southern African genotypes were clustered together in group 1 with higher phosphorus, copper and zinc contents than Asian and West African lines, which clustered in group 2 and were characterized by higher calcium, magnesium and manganese contents. An additional outstanding group 3 of six genotypes was identified with high iron, zinc, magnesium, manganese and calcium contents and potential candidates for cultivar release. The genotype × year interaction variance was greater than the genotypic variance, which might translate to phenotypic plasticity in the species. Broad-sense heritability ranged from low to high and was element-specific. The present results reveal the leaf minerals diversity in spider plant and represent a baseline for implementing a minerals-based breeding program for human nutrition.

CRISPR-Based Genome Editing for Nutrient Enrichment in Crops: A Promising Approach Toward Global Food Security

The global malnutrition burden imparts long-term developmental, economic, social, and medical consequences to individuals, communities, and countries. The current developments in biotechnology have infused biofortification in several food crops to fight malnutrition. However, these methods are not sustainable and suffer from several limitations, which are being solved by the CRISPR-Cas-based system of genome editing. The pin-pointed approach of CRISPR-based genome editing has made it a top-notch method due to targeted gene editing, thus making it free from ethical issues faced by transgenic crops. The CRISPR-Cas genome-editing tool has been extensively used in crop improvement programs due to its more straightforward design, low methodology cost, high efficiency, good reproducibility, and quick cycle. The system is now being utilized in the biofortification of cereal crops such as rice, wheat, barley, and maize, including vegetable crops such as potato and tomato. The CRISPR-Cas-based crop genome editing has been utilized in imparting/producing qualitative enhancement in aroma, shelf life, sweetness, and quantitative improvement in starch, protein, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), oleic acid, anthocyanin, phytic acid, gluten, and steroidal glycoalkaloid contents. Some varieties have even been modified to become disease and stress-resistant. Thus, the present review critically discusses CRISPR-Cas genome editing-based biofortification of crops for imparting nutraceutical properties.

The Role of Sulfur in Agronomic Biofortification with Essential Micronutrients

Sulfur (S) is an essential macronutrient for plants, being necessary for their growth and metabolism and exhibiting diverse roles throughout their life cycles. Inside the plant body, S is present either in one of its inorganic forms or incorporated in an organic compound. Moreover, organic S compounds may contain S in its reduced or oxidized form. Among others, S plays roles in maintaining the homeostasis of essential micronutrients, e.g., iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn). One of the most well-known connections is homeostasis between S and Fe, mainly in terms of the role of S in uptake, transportation, and distribution of Fe, as well as the functional interactions of S with Fe in the Fe-S clusters. This review reports the available information describing the connections between the homeostasis of S and Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn in plants. The roles of S- or sulfur-derived organic ligands in metal uptake and translocation within the plant are highlighted. Moreover, the roles of these micronutrients in S homeostasis are also discussed.

Superheated steam processing: An emerging technology to improve food quality and safety

Heat processing is one of the most efficient strategies used in food industry to improve quality and prolong shelf life. However, conventional processing methods such as microwave heating, burning charcoal treatment, boiling, and frying are energy-inefficient and often lead to inferior product quality. Superheated steam (SHS) is an innovative technology that offers many potential benefits to industry and is increasingly used in food industry. Compared to conventional processing methods, SHS holds higher heat transfer coefficients, which can reduce microorganisms on surface of foodstuffs efficiently. Additionally, SHS generates a low oxygen environment, which prevents lipid oxidation and harmful compounds generation. Furthermore, SHS can facilitate development of desired product quality, such as protein denaturation with functional characteristics, proper starch gelatinization, and can also reduce nutrient loss, and improve the physicochemical properties of foodstuffs. The current work provides a comprehensive review of the impact of SHS on the nutritional, physicochemical, and safety properties of various foodstuffs including meat, fruits, and vegetables, cereals, etc. Additionally, it also provides food manufacturers and researchers with basic knowledge and practical techniques for SHS processing of foodstuffs, which may improve the current scope of SHS and transfer current food systems to a healthy and sustainable one.

Yield and Compositional Profile of Eggplant Fruits as Affected by Phosphorus Supply, Genotype and Grafting

The present experiment addressed the effects of two phosphorus regimes (30 and 90 kg ha−1, hereafter P30 and P90) on yield and composition of eggplant fruits in ‘Birgah’ and ‘Dalia’, whether or not these cultivars were grafted onto Solanum torvum ‘Espina’. The P30 regime did not reduce yield, and promoted fruits’ dry matter and total phenols content, along with their concentrations of macronutrients, mesonutrients (S and Na) and micronutrients (mostly Cu, B, Zn); however, their Fe concentrations were depressed. The rootstock ‘Espina’ increased fruit yield, dry matter content, epicarp chroma (in ‘Birgah’) and Ca content, together with their concentrations of B and Zn (especially at P30), but reduced their Fe content, mostly under P30. Thus, the reduced P supply and grafting proved to be effective tools to enhance fruit yield, carpometric and almost all nutritional traits in eggplant, in a framework of more sustainable crop management. However, the reduced fruit concentration of Fe suggests that the affinity of the rootstock with specific micro minerals should be taken into account, along with the option to adopt complementary practices (e.g., targeted micronutrient fertilizations) to manage the micro mineral composition of eggplants.

Impact on Glucose Homeostasis: Is Food Biofortified with Molybdenum a Workable Solution? A Two-Arm Study

Diabetes is expected to increase up to 700 million people worldwide with type 2 diabetes being the most frequent. The use of nutritional interventions is one of the most natural approaches for managing the disease. Minerals are of paramount importance in order to preserve and obtain good health and among them molybdenum is an essential component. There are no studies about the consumption of biofortified food with molybdenum on glucose homeostasis but recent studies in humans suggest that molybdenum could exert hypoglycemic effects. The present study aims to assess if consumption of lettuce biofortified with molybdenum influences glucose homeostasis and whether the effects would be due to changes in gastrointestinal hormone levels and specifically Peptide YY (PYY), Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 (GLP-1), Glucagon-Like Peptide 2 (GLP-2), and Gastric Inhibitory Polypeptide (GIP). A cohort of 24 people was supplemented with biofortified lettuce for 12 days. Blood and urine samples were obtained at baseline (T0) and after 12 days (T2) of supplementation. Blood was analyzed for glucose, insulin, insulin resistance, β-cell function, and insulin sensitivity, PYY, GLP-1, GLP-2 and GIP. Urine samples were tested for molybdenum concentration. The results showed that consumption of lettuce biofortified with molybdenum for 12 days did not affect beta cell function but significantly reduced fasting glucose, insulin, insulin resistance and increased insulin sensitivity in healthy people. Consumption of biofortified lettuce did not show any modification in urine concentration of molybdenum among the groups. These data suggest that consumption of lettuce biofortified with molybdenum improves glucose homeostasis and PYY and GIP are involved in the action mechanism.

Mineral Composition and Bioaccessibility in Rocket and Purslane after Zn Biofortification Process

Zinc (Zn) is an essential key nutrient in different biochemical and physiological processes. The nutritional deficit of this mineral element is estimated to affect the health of over 3 billion people worldwide. Several strategies are available to reduce the negative impact of mineral malnutrition; among them, biofortification is the practice of deliberately increasing the nutrients and healthy compounds in the edible parts of vegetables. This study aims to evaluate Zn bioaccessibility in biofortified and non-biofortified rocket and purslane using an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion process and measure the concentration of other mineral elements (Al, B, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, and Sr) released during the digestion process from rocket and purslane biofortified with Zn. The bioaccessible Zn in biofortified rocket and purslane ranged from 7.43 to 16.91 mg/kg, respectively. In addition, the daily intake, the RDA coverage (%), and the hazard quotient (HQ) for the intake of Zn (resulting from the consumption of 100 g of rocket and purslane) were calculated. The calculated HQ highlights the safety of these baby leaf vegetables. The study confirms that it is possible to obtain Zn-biofortified rocket and purslane with high Zn bioaccessibility by adopting an appropriate mineral plant nutrition solution enriched in Zn.

Relaunch cropping on marginal soils by incorporating amendments and beneficial trace elements in an interdisciplinary approach

In the EU and world-wide, agriculture is in transition. Whilst we just converted conventional farming imprinted by the post-war food demand and heavy agrochemical usage into integrated and sustainable farming with optimized production, we now have to focus on even smarter agricultural management. Enhanced nutrient efficiency and resistance to pests/pathogens combined with a greener footprint will be crucial for future sustainable farming and its wider environment. Future land use must embrace efficient production and utilization of biomass for improved economic, environmental, and social outcomes, as subsumed under the EU Green Deal, including also sites that have so far been considered as marginal and excluded from production. Another frontier is to supply high-quality food and feed to increase the nutrient density of staple crops. In diets of over two-thirds of the world's population, more than one micronutrient (Fe, Zn, I or Se) is lacking. To improve nutritious values of crops, it will be necessary to combine integrated, systems-based approaches of land management with sustainable redevelopment of agriculture, including central ecosystem services, on so far neglected sites: neglected grassland, set aside land, and marginal lands, paying attention to their connectivity with natural areas. Here we need new integrative approaches which allow the application of different instruments to provide us not only with biomass of sufficient quality and quantity in a site specific manner, but also to improve soil ecological services, e.g. soil C sequestration, water quality, habitat and soil resistance to erosion, while keeping fertilization as low as possible. Such instruments may include the application of different forms of high carbon amendments, the application of macro- and microelements to improve crop performance and quality as well as a targeted manipulation of the soil microbiome. Under certain caveats, the potential of such sites can be unlocked by innovative production systems, ready for the sustainable production of crops enriched in micronutrients and providing services within a circular economy.

Consumer Acceptance and Market Potential of Iodine-Biofortified Fruit and Vegetables in Germany

Biofortification of food crops with iodine is a novel approach to preventing iodine deficiency in humans. The present study analyses the consumer target groups and the market potential of iodine-biofortified fruit and vegetables in Germany. For this purpose, an online survey of 1016 German fruit and vegetable consumers was conducted to investigate the acceptance of different product categories as well as relevant criteria for the market launch. The results show that iodine-biofortified fruit and vegetables are particularly attractive to consumers who purchase at farmers’ markets, organic food shops, and farm stores. Out of this group, 39% of consumers rate such iodine-rich foods as very appealing. They attach importance to food that naturally contains iodine and prefer produce from integrated domestic cultivation. With their focus on sustainability and naturalness, this group of consumers clearly differs from typical users of dietary supplements, who are primarily concerned with health benefits. However, overall about 85% of respondents would prefer biofortified fruits and vegetables to supplements to improve their iodine supply. The greatest market potential for iodine-biofortified fruit and vegetables is to be expected in supermarkets, as this is the preferred food shopping location for most consumers. A total of 28% of those who buy here rate the biofortified foods presented as very appealing. Nevertheless, a successful market launch requires that the benefits of the new products are communicated according to the potential consumer group needs.

Influence of Iron Addition (Alone or with Calcium) to Elements Biofortification and Antioxidants in Pholiota nameko

Mushrooms supplementation with iron (Fe) is usually limited, and therefore it would be beneficial to search for other vital elements able to improve the process. The aim of this study was to verify a possible interaction between Fe and calcium (Ca) to estimate the role of the addition of the latter metal to stimulate Fe accumulation in Pholiota nameko. Additionally, an analysis of phenolic compounds and low molecular weight organic acids (LMWOAs) was performed. The increase of Fe concentration in the substrate caused a significantly higher accumulation of this metal in P. nameko. The addition of Ca (5 or 10 mM) stimulated Fe accumulation, just as Fe concentration in the substrate stimulated Ca accumulation, which pointed to a synergism between these metals. The obtained results show that the presence of Fe in the substrate may also promote K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, and S accumulation. In contrast, the addition of Ca stimulates and/or inhibits their content in fruit bodies. The phenolic and organic acids profile was poor. Only gallic, 4-hydroxybenzoic, sinapic and syringic acids (phenolics), as well as citric and succinic acids (LMWOAs), were quantified in some combinations in P. nameko fruiting bodies.

Increased Provision of Bioavailable Mg through Vegetables Could Significantly Reduce the Growing Health and Economic Burden Caused by Mg Malnutrition

Magnesium (Mg) is an essential mineral nutrient for human health and its deficiency associated with many diseases, including stroke, heart failure, and type 2 diabetes. Vegetables are an important source of dietary Mg for humans. In this study, we quantified vegetable Mg content by a global meat analysis, analyzed human health, and economic impact caused by Mg deficiency. Results revealed that vegetable Mg content showed a large variation with an average value of 19.3 mg 100 g⁻¹ FW. Variation in per capita vegetable-Mg supply in different continents is largely ascribed to continental difference in the amount and the type of vegetables produced. The health and economic loss attributed to Mg deficiency are estimated to be 1.91 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and 15.8 billion dollars (0.14% of GDP), respectively. A scenario analysis indicated that the increasing vegetable production (increased by 8.9% and 20.7% relative to 2017 in 2030 and 2050) and vegetable Mg content (increased by 22% through biofortification) could significantly reduce DALYs (1.24 million years) and economic burden (0.09% of GDP). This study could guide a major re-balance of production practices, species cultivated, and Mg biofortification to provide sufficient vegetable Mg for better human Mg nutrition.

Ionomic Approaches for Discovery of Novel Stress-Resilient Genes in Plants

Plants, being sessile, face an array of biotic and abiotic stresses in their lifespan that endanger their survival. Hence, optimized uptake of mineral nutrients creates potential new routes for enhancing plant health and stress resilience. Recently, minerals (both essential and non-essential) have been identified as key players in plant stress biology, owing to their multifaceted functions. However, a realistic understanding of the relationship between different ions and stresses is lacking. In this context, ionomics will provide new platforms for not only understanding the function of the plant ionome during stresses but also identifying the genes and regulatory pathways related to mineral accumulation, transportation, and involvement in different molecular mechanisms under normal or stress conditions. This article provides a general overview of ionomics and the integration of high-throughput ionomic approaches with other "omics" tools. Integrated omics analysis is highly suitable for identification of the genes for various traits that confer biotic and abiotic stress tolerance. Moreover, ionomics advances being used to identify loci using qualitative trait loci and genome-wide association analysis of element uptake and transport within plant tissues, as well as genetic variation within species, are discussed. Furthermore, recent developments in ionomics for the discovery of stress-tolerant genes in plants have also been addressed; these can be used to produce more robust crops with a high nutritional value for sustainable agriculture.

An Experimental Evidence on Public Acceptance of Genetically Modified Food through Advertisement Framing on Health and Environmental Benefits, Objective Knowledge, and Risk Reduction

Owing to the emerging challenges on global food security and the decade of controversies over genetically modified food (hereafter GMF), the present study aims to explore the effects of advertisement framing on health and environmental benefits, sources of perceived risk reduction, and domain-specific knowledge on the acceptance of GMF. The study conducted a quasi-experimental factorial 2 (advertisement message framing: health vs. environmental benefits) × 2 (expert endorsement: present vs. absent) between-subject design involving 300 adult participants from Pakistan. Using a multi-group structural equation model, the four conditions were assigned to each participant group (n = 75) to test the hypothesized relationships. The quasi-experiment results suggested that the advertisement messages (ad-framed) incorporated with the health and environmental benefits, as delineated by experts, can be a viable communication strategy in developing effortless cognitive cues towards GMF acceptance. The pioneer findings validate the significant efficacy of advertisement messages (ad-framed with expert opinions) in reducing perceived risk through augmented objective knowledge that activates the mechanism of favorable development of attitude and acceptance of GMF. The study findings offer strategic directions to policymakers, marketers, and food technologists in raising greater awareness and acceptance towards GMF products.