Golden Rice is abundant with Vitamin A and thus improves:
- Protection against infections
- Enhanced immune response
- Blood cell synthesis in bone marrow
- Enhanced capacity to transport oxygen in the blood
- Breathing capability (epithelial integrity)
- Skeletal growth
- Increased body energy
- Vision
It has been provided for free to farmers in impoverished, developing countries because the innovators of Golden Rice have provided generous donations of scientific material. Since they are free, the farmers of these countries won't have to invest heavily on a "gamble." Moreover, it would be cropped the same way. The only difference the farmers will recognize between white rice and Golden Rice is their colour and nutritional value.
Countries that suffer from Vitamin A deficiency are in their current states because the majority of their populations can not afford a diverse diet and therefore can not consume the ideal diet for nutrition. Starting with Vitamin A deficiency, if scientists were to implement the Vitamin A nutrient, beta-carotene into cheaper, abundant, staple food, such as rice, then it could be a beneficial, little-to-no cost step towards the fight against malnutrition.
Countries that suffer from Vitamin A deficiency are in their current states because the majority of their populations can not afford a diverse diet and therefore can not consume the ideal diet for nutrition. Starting with Vitamin A deficiency, if scientists were to implement the Vitamin A nutrient, beta-carotene into cheaper, abundant, staple food, such as rice, then it could be a beneficial, little-to-no cost step towards the fight against malnutrition.