Evaluating GM biofortified rice in areas with a high prevalence of folate deficiency

Abstract

Folate biofortified rice is considered a novel strategy to reduce the burden of folate deficiency. This study quantifies the possible health benefits of introducing this GM crop in two regions at high risk of folate deficiency and neural-tube defects, namely Balrampur (India) and Shanxi (China). By measuring the number of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost, the results not only highlight the problematic situation in these regions, but also demonstrate the effectiveness of folate biofortification, which could save between 29-111 DALYs (Balrampur) and between 47-104 DALYs per 1,000 births (Shanxi). A sensitivity analysis underlines the impact of the parameters of the DALY framework.