RE: [pronut-hiv] Biofortification Method (5)

["George M. Carter" <fiar@verizon.net>]

At 07:02 PM 5/29/2006, you wrote:

[>As communication coordinator for HarvestPlus, I would like to respond to
>the thoughtful questions emerging on the network related to
>biofortification.]

Thanks for sharing this--but it raises a question.

 >For the time being HarvestPlus is focusing on biofortifying staple crops
>that poor people grow and/or eat with iron, zinc and beta carotene.

First, why only these?

Second--needing more inputs? I take it that is a code for some how inducing expression of some kind of gene construct that confers resistance. Are these genetically modified foods? If not, how are you fortifying the crops?

Fortification of foods has had a good impact for many things, but it may 
sacrifice other needs such as B vitamins, folic acid, tocopherols, iodine, 
selenium and calcium, to name a few. The micronutrient needs of individuals living with HIV are higher.

Food and clean water is first. Getting enough is a simple if apparently 
nearly impossible goal, due to many reasons that are largely rather 
unsavory. But to my mind, we should be instituting programs for provision 
of multivitamins/minerals for people in developing countries.

George M. Carter