[helloworld42024]

So you're saying because 1 Million children die every year is due to Vitamin A you believe the answer is genetically modify rice rather than actually feed the children a balanced diet of Vitamin A enriched foods (carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale...?) or even supplements?

I suppose in theory we can put every nutrient needed known to man in a grain of rice one day.

But just because you could, does it mean you should? I suppose this opens up a much more broader discussion of morals, ethics and potentially alogical topics of conversation.

[sfifs]

Arguably yes. In this day and age of prosperity and technological development of our species, isn't it unethical and morally depraved to let children to die of malnutrition when a simple change could help?

Iodine enrichment of salt achieved much the same in so many countries.

[coin]

> rather than actually feed the children a balanced diet of Vitamin A enriched foods (carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale...?) or even supplements?

As if no one has ever thought of this and it's just that simple.

[big-green-man]

Starvation is an acute problem for those living with it. They need to not die right now. So yes, absolutely we should do it. The converse is saying to them "it's better for you to have a balanced diet, which is harder to do, so you're just going to have to starve." Just solve the problem they're living with in the cheapest, easiest way possible, and then improve the overall picture when the situation isn't so dire.

[NotMichaelBay]

Fortifying foods with nutrients is not a new concept (bread, cereals, etc), and I don't have any studies on hand but my assumption is that since it's been done for decades, it must have noticeable benefits to public health.

[klyrs]

Vitamin-A enriched foods are indeed a solution that can be implemented by swapping a single component of an ecosystem rather than the complete overhaul that you're proposing.

[helloworld42024]

Sure, I mean - let's just simplify the whole system. 1 Cup of genetically infused full daily-meal Rice®™℠ for every single person on the planet. One cup sized serving portion of nutrient material. Yum.

[big-green-man]

"Yum" is not the point though, it's avoiding malnutrition, starvation and death. Maslow's hierarchy of needs and all that, survive first, then later when they're not dead they can worry about producing culinary delights.

[fragmede]

You have heard of Soylent and Huel, right?

[klyrs]

No. Don't redesign the whole system! Why do people have that reflex?

[tedunangst]

It's easier to meet the people where they are. If they eat rice, feed them better rice.

[helloworld42024]

"Sorry we are having trucking difficulties and supply problems at the moment. Please take your daily serving of 1-cup all nutrient dense supplied food called Rice®™℠. Remember be grateful to your {INSERT ENTITY HERE}"

...And remember kids "It's easier to meet the people where they are!"

[fragmede]

Meeting people where they are dates to the 1940's, when we started putting iodine, iron and other additives into food with a significant impact in reducing disease like goiter and anemia all over the world.

The Lucky Iron Fish is a good story in this area.

[kurthr]

They already know how to grow, transport, store, and cook rice. Just give them the seeds.

I think you're the one proposing to supply "Vitamin A enriched foods (carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale...?)", which they may not know how to grow, transport, store, or cook.

[nilamo]

Consider Mars. Starting a colony would require a minimum amount of material to be sent. The more densely packed those seeds are with nutrients, the better.

[Suppafly]

>So you're saying because 1 Million children die every year is due to Vitamin A you believe the answer is genetically modify rice rather than actually feed the children a balanced diet of Vitamin A enriched foods (carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale...?) or even supplements?

Yes.

[VMG]

Obviously the answer is yes

[hollerith]

>Vitamin A enriched foods (carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale...?)

And oily fish, liver, cheese, and butter.

[pawelmurias]

If you could make such a rice it would be awesome.