Our researchers and collaborators have utilised a simple misting technology to boost the fight against hidden hunger
Vitamin B₁₂ is an essential nutrient, required to produce red blood cells and for a healthy immune system, but it is estimated that around 6% of the UK population is B₁₂ deficient, with 44% having insufficient levels of the vitamin.
B₁₂ deficiency can lead to anaemia, muscle weakness, psychological, cognitive, and neurological problems.
This vitamin is made exclusively by bacteria, so humans acquire B₁₂ from animal-based foods in their diet. This means that there is a nutritional insufficiency risk for people adopting more vegetarian and vegan diets without supplementation, which is where new fortified pea shoots could come in.
Using the latest aeroponic techniques, a research/industry partnership has delivered a method to produce fortified pea shoots which could combat levels of vitamin B₁₂ deficiency in the population.
“This novel fortification method can be done at extremely low cost to growers, providing consumers with a cost-effective way of supplementing their diet with vitamin B₁₂ in a form that their body can use,” said Professor Antony Dodd, John Innes Centre Group Leader.
Associated Scientists
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