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Calcium Rich Carrots Possible
Published Thursday, November 20, 2008 at 05:12 AM
ARS-funded scientists report that the technology used to add higher amounts of calcium to carrots could be used to add this valuable nutrient to other crops. The technology induces carrots to express increased levels of the gene sCAX1, which enables the transport of calcium across plant cell membranes. Calcium is a key component for healthy bones.

To determine the bioavailability of the calcium in the modified carrots, 30 volunteers--15 females and 15 males of various ethnic backgrounds and in their early to late 20s-ate single meals containing regular or modified carrots, which were labeled with a stable isotope of calcium. After two weeks, the researchers found that the calcium intake of volunteers who consumed the modified carrots increased by 41 percent, compared to those who ate regular carrots.

The current U.S. recommended average intake of calcium for adults aged 19 to 50 is one thousand milligrams daily. But inadequate dietary calcium is a global concern, and poor diets and exercise habits prevent many people from achieving and maintaining optimal bone health.

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