Our researchers and collaborators have utilised a simple misting technology to boost the fight against hidden hunger
Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient, required to produce red blood cells and for a healthy immune system, but it is estimated that around 6% of the UK population is B12 deficient, with 44% having insufficient levels of the vitamin.
B12 deficiency can lead to anaemia, muscle weakness, psychological, cognitive, and neurological problems.
This vitamin is made exclusively by bacteria, so humans acquire B12 from animal-based foods in their diet. This means that there is a nutritional insufficiency risk for people adopting more vegetarian and vegan diets without supplementation, which is where new fortified pea shoots could come in.
Using the latest aeroponic techniques, a research/industry partnership has delivered a method to produce fortified pea shoots which could combat levels of vitamin B12 deficiency in the population.
“This novel fortification method can be done at extremely low cost to growers, providing consumers with a cost-effective way of supplementing their diet with vitamin B12 in a form that their body can use,” said Professor Antony Dodd, John Innes Centre Group Leader.
Associated Scientists
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