Scientists have genetically edited tomatoes that are more nutritious in provitamin D3 -- a precursor to vitamin D, and they're as high as two whole eggs or a tablespoon full of tuna.

Figure 1: genetically edited tomatoes with rich vitamin D.

Figure 1 shows that They did so by disabling a specific molecule in the plant’s genome that boosted provitamin D3 in both the fruit and the leaves of the tomato plants. This was then converted to vitamin D3 via exposure to UVB light.

Our body gets vitamin D primarily after our skin’s exposed to UVB light. However, a major source still remains to be food. The new tomato crop could help millions who are suffering from vitamin D deficiency which has also been known to be linked to increased severity of infection by COVID-19. [1]

By helping the body absorb and retain calcium and phosphorus, vitamin D is especially crucial for good bone health and strengthening the immune system. However, it’s tricky to get enough of it through food alone, with the majority of it produced in the skin in response to UV light from the Sun.

Unfortunately, many people still don’t get enough of it. This seems to increase a person’s risk of heart disease, some cancers, autoimmune diseases, and weaker bones and muscles, among other conditions.

The fruit (tomato) is already known to naturally contain a vitamin D precursor known as 7-DHC, albeit at very low levels and only in the leaves, which aren’t usually eaten. [2]

Martin’s team decided to knock out 7-DR2, which helps the plant synthesize compounds plants use to deal with stress from pests and microbes. Thanks to the intact 7-DR1, the modified plants grew normally. And each ripe, sliced tomato, after exposure to sunlight, should offer as much provitamin D3 as two medium eggs.

The content can be increased by slicing the tomato first, the researchers found, and likely even more by drying them in the Sun. The leaves and stems of fortified plants could be useful as well, Martin notes, because they could be used to manufacture vitamin D supplements.

Choe’s group knocked out the other gene, 7-DR1, involved in making growth hormones. The researchers estimate that a modified tomato can contain up to 100 micrograms of provitamin D3—more than seen in Martin’s experiments—after a month of freeze-dried storage. “We think that the molecule is pretty stable in the fruit,” Choe says.

So far, the modified tomatoes have been grown only in laboratory greenhouses. Martin will begin a field trial next month and Choe hopes to start one this summer. [3]

References:

1. https://www.indiatimes.com/technology/science-and-future/scientists-genetically-edited-regular-tomatoes-to-improve-vitamin-d-levels-570366.html
2. source: https://newatlas.com/science/tomatoes-crispr-genetic-engineering-vitamin-d/
3. source: https://www.science.org/content/article/scientists-turn-tomatoes-rich-source-vitamin-d

Cite this article:

Sri Vasagi K (2022), Scientist Discovered Vitamin D in Genetically Edited Tomatoes, Anatechmaz, pp. 303