Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 4 — Narrative / commentaryPeer-reviewedConventional

Current and potential future uses of sorghum to increase nutrient density for human foods

Margaret J. McGinnis; Maeve Webster

Journal of Food Science · 2024

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Summary

This narrative review appraises sorghum's underutilised potential as a nutrient-dense grain ingredient for food fortification and functional product development. The authors examine existing sorghum applications—particularly syrup with documented glycaemic and antioxidant benefits—and synthesise evidence on the grain's nutritional and bioactive profiles to identify research and product development gaps. The review suggests sorghum warrants greater integration into food systems to enhance dietary nutrient density.

Regional applicability

Whilst sorghum is not a traditional cereal crop in the UK, the review's findings on grain nutritional enhancement and functional food applications are relevant to UK food product development and dietary diversification strategies. Climate change and interest in alternative grains may increase UK applicability in future.

Key measures

Nutritional composition metrics (likely including protein, fibre, micronutrients), glycaemic response, antioxidant capacity, phenolic and phytochemical profiles in sorghum-based products

Outcomes reported

The review synthesised evidence on sorghum's nutritional composition, bioactive compounds, and potential applications across diverse food products. It identified existing sorghum-based products and documented opportunities for optimising nutrient density and functional properties in human foods.

Theme
Nutrition & health
Subject
Cereals & grains
Study type
Narrative Review
Study design
Narrative review
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
System type
Food supply chain
DOI
10.1111/1750-3841.17571
Catalogue ID
NRmob79t6f-00m

Topic tags

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