Nullification of GFTs fortifies bioactive folates in foxtail millet.

A study published in the Journal of Integrative Plant Biology explores the potential for fortifying foxtail millet with bioactive folates. The researchers found that by knocking out two genes, SiGFT1 and SiGFT2, in foxtail millet, the accumulation of bioactive folates increased significantly while levels of the bioinactive oxidation product MeFox decreased. This research provides a promising method for biofortifying cereal crops with folates, which are essential micronutrients for human health. The study suggests that consuming folate-fortified cereals could be particularly beneficial for pregnant women and the elderly in regions where dietary diversification is challenging. [Extracted from the article]