Module 12 Flashcards
Describe Golden rice, the controversy surrounding it, and the strengths/limitations of the role it could play in addressing VAD
- variety of riced produced via genetic engineering
- added pathway to produce beta-carotene (pro VitA)
- not currently available due to extreme interpreation of the precautionary principle
strengths; reduce VAD. in 2013, almost 30% of kids under 5 in LMIC were VAD. leads to blindness, infection due to compromised immune system. golden rice could sign. improve VA intake in diets of rice-dependent populations.
- would be distributed free
- easy substitute for rice
- increase BC in staple food
limitations: many people against it. human trial in children in China where potential exploitation, paper retracted. also objectives against GMOs:
1. potential harm to human health
2. potential negative impact enviro
3. negative impact on traditional farming
4. corporate dominance
5. unnatural
also, emphasizes reliance on cereal grains
yellow colour
do you think the delay in availability is a “crime against humanity”
I do not think that the delayed availability is a “crime against humanity”, as this is a pretty strong statement. I don’t think this act is on the same level as murder/torture, but I do think that it is problematic that this life-saving solution has been held back for so long.
. The intent is to protect our current crops against cross contamination, guarantee safety, and identify unknown health risks. Therefore, it cannot be classified as an attack. Even so, it can be considered extremely tragic that millions of lives have likely been lost as a result of its delay.
describe RUTFs, their development, impact on treatment of SAM
plumpy’nut: peanut paste, designed to treat SAM. home based, high E, long shelf life. contained energy, fats, MN
- before, kids with SAM hospitalized and fed milk-based diet. challenges: lot of resources, in-patient care difficult for families, children prone to infectiosn in close quarters
89% of kids with SAM recovered in Malawi, no adverse events
strengths/limitations of RUTFs. do strengths outweigh limitations?
pro: no water, cooking, refrigeration. low water content. fat, protein, MN. home-based, tastes good
cons: no dietary diversity, expensive, not economically/culturally/enviro sustainably. creates dependence, very high in sugar
should be used: if resources limited. for weightgain/recovery SAM. govt should be spending on root causes of malnutrition
