Vitamin A deficiency is the leading cause of preventable childhood blindness, identifying that this problem affects over 250 million children worldwide, mostly in South Asia and Africa (UNICEF data from The World Health Organization, 2014). Associated childhood deaths arise usually as a complication from a weakened immune system, such as infection or diarrhoea. The introduction of Genetically Modified foods containing beta-carotene could assist to prevent this blindness and related deaths. It is because of this that this report will support the use of genetically modified foods.
Genetic Modification and Gene Splicing
Genetic Modification (GM) refers to the use of modern biotechnology techniques such as Gene Splicing to change the genes of …show more content…
Consequences of this fragile diet from lack of nutrients are well documented and recognised.
James Dale, a scientific researcher from Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia, is currently experimenting on genetically modified ‘super bananas’, to aim to boost the Vitamin A levels of the Ugandan people where this fruit is a staple. If the results of their studies prove that beta-carotene in bananas does succeed in raising the body’s vitamin A levels, it would first require governmental approval, farmers to cultivate and grow them, and people to agree to actually eat the now orange-tinted fruit. (Rose Trapnell- QUT media, 2014).
Those who criticize GM foods worry about the possibility that GM food crops might produce new allergens. They claim that there are no tests or safety assessments in place to prove in advance that a GM crop is safe or to identify potential dangers (Jeffery M. Smith, 2007). Doubts that such allergy potential might be greater than with traditionally bred crops have also been …show more content…
Another is that the consequences for the surrounding ecosystems are unknown. Possible changes include the species being repelled by pesticide resistant crops building up resistance against the chemicals, ruining the crops and costing the farmers more money. GM seed firms often make very large investments in research and development projects and some believe in more efficient use of money.
Biological Benefits from Nutritionally Enhanced GM Foods
Firstly, ongoing human health is only achievable if a nutritiously adequate diet is available and accessible during all life stages. Genetic modifications to plant food sources hold potential for improving human nutrition and health, provided that the capabilities for using GM crops are available in the developing country.
Vitamin A:
Research has proven that an adequate intake of Vitamin A in the diets of people living in underdeveloped countries will result in the following
Genetic Modification and Gene Splicing
Genetic Modification (GM) refers to the use of modern biotechnology techniques such as Gene Splicing to change the genes of …show more content…
Consequences of this fragile diet from lack of nutrients are well documented and recognised.
James Dale, a scientific researcher from Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia, is currently experimenting on genetically modified ‘super bananas’, to aim to boost the Vitamin A levels of the Ugandan people where this fruit is a staple. If the results of their studies prove that beta-carotene in bananas does succeed in raising the body’s vitamin A levels, it would first require governmental approval, farmers to cultivate and grow them, and people to agree to actually eat the now orange-tinted fruit. (Rose Trapnell- QUT media, 2014).
Those who criticize GM foods worry about the possibility that GM food crops might produce new allergens. They claim that there are no tests or safety assessments in place to prove in advance that a GM crop is safe or to identify potential dangers (Jeffery M. Smith, 2007). Doubts that such allergy potential might be greater than with traditionally bred crops have also been …show more content…
Another is that the consequences for the surrounding ecosystems are unknown. Possible changes include the species being repelled by pesticide resistant crops building up resistance against the chemicals, ruining the crops and costing the farmers more money. GM seed firms often make very large investments in research and development projects and some believe in more efficient use of money.
Biological Benefits from Nutritionally Enhanced GM Foods
Firstly, ongoing human health is only achievable if a nutritiously adequate diet is available and accessible during all life stages. Genetic modifications to plant food sources hold potential for improving human nutrition and health, provided that the capabilities for using GM crops are available in the developing country.
Vitamin A:
Research has proven that an adequate intake of Vitamin A in the diets of people living in underdeveloped countries will result in the following