The development of golden rice by Professor Ingo Potrykus and Dr. Peter Beyer has made more than a ripple within the scientific and humanitarian community. The creation of golden rice might also relieve world hunger. Vitamin A and iron deficiencies are two of the most common forms of malnutrition worldwide. The carotenoids and beta-carotene found in golden rice triggers the production of vitamin A in the human body. Without sufficient amounts of vitamin A, a person could suffer from blindness or even death.
Iron deficiency affects mostly women and children.
Some of the consequences of iron deficiency are birth-related deaths of both women and children, and impairment of physical and mental development and the immune system. Because rice is one of the most common crops that is consumed internationally, golden rice is ideal for cultivation in poor areas. Bruce Chassey, assistant dean for biotechnology outreach at the College of Agricultural Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, said despite its benefits, criticism for GM foods cannot be avoided. Consequently, VAD often occurs where rice is the major staple food. When Potrykus approached the Department of Food Security at the Rockefeller Foundation for funding, he met his partner Peter Beyer.