Vitamin-A rich maize trials could help fight malnutrition in Africa

Scientists in NUI Galway are working with international partners on a vitamin-A rich maize that could help fight malnutrition in Africa.

The new corn could boost the health of some 500,000 children in developing countries who go blind each year; over half of those die within a year of going blind. Vitamin-A deficiency retards growth, increases risk of disease, and can cause reproductive disorders.

NUIG’s Plant and AgriBiosciences Research Centre is working with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to develop the maize. Irish Aid is also partnering.