John Innes Centre and Quadram Institute to Conduct Gene-Edited Tomato Food Trial

A groundbreaking human trial for gene-edited food is currently underway, aiming to combat the widespread Vitamin D deficiency using biofortified tomatoes.

Researchers from the John Innes Centre and the Quadram Institute have developed a tomato that accumulates high levels of pro-vitamin D3—a precursor to vitamin D, also known as the "sunshine vitamin." By precisely tailoring the plant's genes, the tomatoes now contain as much Vitamin D as two eggs, with levels increasing further upon exposure to UV light. This approach offers a sustainable and accessible solution, especially benefiting the nearly one billion people globally who lack sufficient Vitamin D.

The trial, named the ViTaL-D Study, is recruiting 76 participants with low vitamin D levels, aged 18 and above, who live within 40 miles of Norwich, to consume a portion of tomato soup daily for three weeks. The primary goal is to determine whether eating these biofortified tomatoes successfully leads to higher levels of active Vitamin D in the participants' blood. Vitamin D is essential for absorbing calcium and phosphorus, maintaining strong bones and teeth, and boosting the immune system; deficiency has been linked to various serious health issues, including depression and increased cancer risk.

This first-of-its-kind gene-edited food trial represents a significant step forward in using science to address global nutritional needs. If successful, these Vitamin D-enriched tomatoes could be introduced into the food supply, moving away from a reliance on supplements and limited dietary sources. The study's chief investigators emphasize that "Food is health care," viewing the trial as a crucial effort to identify novel ways to leverage healthy, fresh food to improve public health and help individuals worldwide fight the rising prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency.

For more details about this gene-edited food trial, read the press release from the John Innes Centre.