Higher Protein Foods
Lack of protein is a major cause of malnutrition in many countries. Already, soya and maize have been modified to enhance the value of their protein in animal feed. Similar developments for staple crops in tropical regions could benefit many of those who are undernourished. For example, scientists in India have developed the 'protato', a potato with a far higher protein content than traditional varieties, by introducing genes from the Amaranth plant.
Foods Higher in Vitamins and Minerals
Some fruits and vegetables can be modified to contain higher levels of nutrients. For example, “Golden Rice” has been developed by scientists in Zurich to improve vitamin A levels in people in developing countries. Regular rice contains no vitamin A, and children brought up on it as their staple diet run a high risk of developing blindness and dying prematurely.
