It is a fact that has been proven many times by scientists how important vitamin D is for humans. The deficiency of the vitamin, which is automatically synthesized in the body’s contact with the sun; It is associated with very risky diseases such as cancer and dementia. Aware of this, scientists have discovered a simple and sustainable method to increase vitamin D in the body through tomatoes. This method seems to be of great importance for people to be healthier.
According to the article published in the journal Nature, scientists have succeeded in transforming these nutrients into a storehouse of vitamin D (provitamin D3) by changing the genes of tomatoes. However, this gene change was not realized as it is in GMO foods, which is the subject of controversy from time to time. Experts have disabled a genome in tomatoes with the CRISPR method. This genome produced a molecule that limits vitamin D storage in tomatoes. As such, the limitations were removed and the tomato turned into a vitamin D store.
Vitamin D accumulated 60 times the daily requirement of humans
The team led by Professor Cathie Martin investigated the genetically modified tomatoes. Investigations have produced striking results. So much so that 600 micrograms of vitamin D per gram accumulated in the leaves of the genetically modified tomato. The recommended daily amount of vitamin D for a standard adult is 10 micrograms. In other words, the genetically modified tomato had accumulated 60 times the daily requirement of vitamin D for humans.
In the statements made on the subject, it was emphasized that at least 1 billion people worldwide are exposed to vitamin D deficiency. Genetically modified tomato seems to be able to eliminate this problem by being easily available if it goes into mass production…