Summary
This review, published in Stress Biology in 2025, synthesises current evidence on how elevated atmospheric CO₂ affects the nutritional quality of food crops, with particular attention to reductions in protein and key micronutrients such as iron and zinc — a phenomenon often attributed to carbohydrate dilution under CO₂ enrichment. The authors likely draw on FACE (Free-Air CO₂ Enrichment) studies and controlled environment research to characterise these effects across major staple crops. The paper contextualises these findings within broader concerns about food and nutrition security under climate change projections.
UK applicability
Although the review is global in scope, the findings are directly applicable to UK agricultural policy and food security planning, given that UK staple crops such as wheat and barley are among those most documented as showing nutritional decline under elevated CO₂. UK policymakers and plant breeders may need to account for CO₂-driven nutrient dilution when setting dietary and agronomic targets.
Key measures
Crop protein content (%); mineral micronutrient concentrations (e.g. iron, zinc, mg/kg); carbohydrate and starch content; nitrogen use efficiency
Outcomes reported
The review examines how rising atmospheric CO₂ concentrations affect the nutritional composition of key food crops, including changes in protein, mineral micronutrients, and carbohydrate content. It likely synthesises evidence on the 'CO₂ dilution effect' and its implications for human dietary quality.
Topic tags
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