Researchers at Nottingham Trent University, UK, have identified a novel and natural method which uses 'nano-rust' particles to fortify potatoes with iron, a move which could help prevent iron deficiency anemia.
Anemia affects nearly a quarter of the world's population, with 50% of these cases caused due to iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency is a major problem in several countries due to the low iron content in staple foods such as potatoes, rice and wheat.
In the study, the researchers were able to enrich potatoes with iron by covering nano-rust particles in a stealth-like coating, which tricks the plantlets to absorb the particles into the roots before breaking them down into regular iron.
The researchers were able to significantly increase the iron concentration in potatoes, while retaining all the typical nutritional elements.
According to the researchers, iron uptake through fortified potato consumption could be significantly higher than that achieved through the consumption of iron supplements and breakfast cereals, which pass only about 10% of available iron into the body.
The researchers are planning to test if rice can be enriched with iron through the same method.
