Can Improved Legume Varieties Optimize Iron Status in Low- and Middle-Income Countries? A Systematic Review.

ABSTRACT: Iron and zinc deficiencies are some of the most widespread micronutrient deficiencies in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Dietary diversification, food fortification, nutrition education, and supplementation can be used to control micronutrient deficiencies. Legumes are important staple foods in most households in LMIC. Legumes are highly nutritious (good sources of essential minerals, fiber, and low glycemic index) and offer potential benefits in addressing nutrition insecurity in LMIC. Several efforts have been made to increase micronutrient intake by use of improved legumes. Improved legumes have a higher nutrient bioavailability, lower phytate, or reduced hard-to-cook (HTC) defect. We hypothesize that consumption of improved legumes leads to optimization of zinc and iron status

SUBMITTER: Mutwiri LN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7490168 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature