Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition (FSN Forum)

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Prof. Nicola Lowe

Member since
Organization: University of Central Lancashire
Country: United Kingdom
Field(s) of expertise:
I am working on:

An effectiveness trial of Biofortified wheat (with zinc) in Pakistan

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    • Dear all,

      Q2. Are you conducting any research on the impact of agriculture and environment on food and nutrition security?

      Yes – we are interested in reducing zinc deficiency in Pakistan. Currently, deficiency is widespread with over 40% of women deficient. Most households in Pakistan consume wheat flour on a daily basis. Biofortification through crop breeding and application of zinc fertilizers can increase the concentration of zinc in wheat grain and offers a strategy to help alleviate zinc deficiency.

      We are conducting research near Peshawar among a marginalised population to test the effectiveness of biofortified wheat flour for improving nutritional zinc status: http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/projects?ref=BB%2FP02338X%2F1

      The flour has been milled from a strain of wheat grain, recently released in Pakistan by HarvestPlus

      The protocol is registered with the ISRCTN (International Standard Registered Clinical/soCial sTudy Number) here: http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN83678069

      In Pakistan, the research is coordinated and conducted by the Khyber Medical University, The Abaseen Foundation and Fauji Fertilizer Company. Please follow our project #BiZiFED on Twitter and get in touch if you have any questions. 

      Thanks,

      The BiZiFED Team