Nutrient-boosted foods protect against blindness

THERE'S a new weapon in the battle against blindness, and it's bright orange. A sweet potato bred naturally to contain loads more beta carotene than its traditional counterparts has helped stave off vitamin A deficiency in thousands of Ugandans. The announcement comes as other results confirm that beta-carotene-packed genetically modified rice can also boost dietary vitamin A effectively. Beta carotene is converted into vitamin A in the body.

About half a million children in Africa and Asia go blind every year because their diet contains too little vitamin A, which is vital for vision and the immune system. Of those who lose their sight, two-thirds die within months.

see also: Editorial: "Nutrient-boosted Golden Rice should be embraced"