Some of the genetically
modified foods in the near future will include: bananas and possibly tomatoes
and potatoes that have vaccines for hepatitis, typhoid fever and cholera
(Conventional vaccines are difficult to deliver because they require
expensive production, sterilization and refrigerated transport at a cost of
about $125 per dose in remote areas. The estimated cost of a banana-delivered
vaccine is about 2 cents.).
Experts predict that many
new products of the future will have enhanced nutrient content, healthier
macro-nutrient profiles (e.g., fat) and healthier components. Fore example,
researchers at the University of Nevada have increased the amount of alpha
vitamin E (a very potent form) in soybeans.
Soybean and corn oil have
been modified to make them healthier in terms of reducing the risk for
cardiovascular disease; corn has increased levels of methionine and lysine,
which are very limited in regular corn; researchers at Berkley in California
have found a way to make proteins less allergenic and more digestible by
changing their shape so that they no longer trigger an allergic response.
