Biofortification of crops with seven mineral elements often lacking in human diets

Summary

This comprehensive narrative review by White and Broadley synthesises the scientific evidence base for biofortifying staple and horticultural crops with seven mineral elements commonly deficient in human diets worldwide. The authors assess both agronomic approaches (e.g. fertiliser application, particularly selenium and iodine) and genetic/breeding strategies, evaluating the biological constraints and opportunities specific to each element and crop combination. The review is considered a foundational reference in the biofortification field, providing a systematic framework for prioritising research and intervention strategies to address micronutrient malnutrition.

UK applicability

The review has direct relevance to UK policy and agricultural practice, particularly regarding selenium and iodine biofortification of cereals and vegetables, given the well-documented low selenium status of UK soils and evidence of suboptimal iodine intakes in segments of the UK population. Findings inform both Defra-funded crop improvement programmes and public health nutrition strategies in the UK.

Key measures

Mineral element concentrations in edible tissues (mg/kg or µg/kg fresh or dry weight); dietary reference values; estimated prevalence of mineral deficiencies in human populations; comparative data across crop species and genotypes

Outcomes reported

The review examines the extent to which concentrations of seven mineral elements — calcium, iodine, iron, magnesium, selenium, zinc, and copper — can be increased in edible crop tissues through agronomic and genetic biofortification approaches. It reports on the physiological mechanisms, crop species variation, and practical feasibility of delivering nutritionally meaningful improvements in mineral density.

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