This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Tuesday, 24 May 2022
'Sunshine' Tomatoes
Vitamin D is either manufactured in the skin, when the body is exposed to UV light, or taken in with the diet. Oily fish, red meat, egg yolks and mushrooms are rich in Vitamin D. This vitamin is essential to maintain the health of bones, teeth and muscles. A lack of vitamin D can cause Rickets (deformation of the skeleton), a condition common in Victorian times. Almost 20% of Britons currently may have low vitamin D levels. Some scientists have suggested that, in the UK, vitamin D supplements should be taken, especially from October to March. At this time, there is insufficient sunlight falling on the country to produce enough vitamin D in the skin. These supplements can, however, be problematic for vegans. Most contain lanolin (from sheep's wool). Tomatoes have now been gene edited, to produce substantial concentrations of the provitamin D3 (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2022/may/23/scientists-create-tomatoes-genetically-edited-boost-vitamin-d-levels). D3 is converted by the body into active vitamin D. Gene editing (CRISPR-Cas9) technology allows scientists to make small 'tweaks' to the DNA or organisms. The use of CRISPR to develop food items is currently banned in the EU (as is, the more invasive, Genetic Modification). These 'sunshine tomatoes' could, however, be a boon and not only for vegans! I can't see them causing environmental dangers?
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