ENRICHMENT OF ZINC IN WHEAT THROUGH BIOFORTIFICATION: A REVIEW

Ali Abbas*, Ambash Riaz, Noor-ul-Huda and Shahid Raza

ABSTRACT

Zinc is an important micronutrient in term of biological metabolism, and is gaining a lot of attention globally because of increasing concerns regarding zinc deficiency in humans. The micronutrient is essential for the normal growth of human. Furthermore, it requires for multiple functioning of human immune system and affect normal processes and development of cell mediated immunity, neutrophil and natural killer cells. Deficiency of zinc is listed among the top five micronutrient deficiencies and greatly affect more than 50% of world population, especially developing countries. Insufficient intake of low zinc based food is main reason for the zinc deficiency in human. Wheat is among the most common cereal crop g, and part of daily diet calories, protein and other micronutrients. In several developing countries, wheat is source of 50% routinely calories intake. An excessive use of low micronutrient based wheat is main reason for zinc deficiency in human as wheat has naturally low zinc quantity and high concentration of phytate which further reduces the availability of zinc. Therefore, it is an immediate challenge to enhance zinc content in cereal crops, especially in wheat.

Keywords: Zinc, zinc deficiency, bioavailability.