Quality protein maize for food and feed purpose: A nutritive approach

Abstract

Protein energy under nutrition (PEU) and micronutrient deficiency is common in countries where population mainly depends upon cereal grains including maize to derive most of their nutritional requirements. So, proper nutrition through different ways such as nutrient supplementation and biofortification is essential for improvement and maintenance of human health. In spite of important uses of maize, it is deficient in two essential amino acid i.e. lysine and tryptophan along with moderate deficiency of isoleucine. These deficiencies have been addressed through the development of nutritionally improved maize known as Quality Protein Maize (QPM) which possesses the desired concentration of lysine and tryptophan as recommended by Food and Agricultural Organization. Development of QPM holds a great promise to signify its importance not only as quality food but also as quality feed for poultry, piggery and animal sectors.