Farm to Fork Stability of Phytochemicals and Micronutrients in Brassica oleracea and Allium Vegetables.

Brassica oleracea and Allium vegetables are known for their unique, family specific, water-soluble phytochemicals, glucosinolates, and S-alk(en)yl-l-cysteine sulfoxides, respectively. However, they are also important delivery systems of several other health-related compounds, such as carotenoids (lipid-soluble phytochemicals), vitamin C (water-soluble micronutrient), and vitamin K1 (lipid-soluble micronutrient). When all-year-round availability or transport over long distances is targeted for these often seasonal, locally grown vegetables, processing becomes indispensable. However, the vegetable processing chain, which consists of multiple steps (e.g., pretreatment, preservation, storage, preparation), can impact the nutritional quality of these vegetables corresponding to the nature of the health-related compounds and their susceptibility to (bio)chemical conversions. Since information about the impact of the vegetable processing chain is scattered per compound or processing step, this review targets an integration of the state of the art and discusses needs for future research. Starting with a discussion on substrate-enzyme location within the vegetable matrix, an overview is provided of the impact and potential of processing, encompassing a wide range of (nonenzymatic) conversions.

Enrichment of Zinc and Iron Micronutrients in Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) through Biofortification.

Biofortification of pulse crops with Zn and Fe is a viable approach to combat their widespread deficiencies in humans. Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) is a widely consumed edible crop possessing a high level of Zn and Fe micronutrients. Thus, the present study was conducted to examine the influence of foliar application of Zn and Fe on productivity, concentration, uptake and the economics of lentil cultivation (LL 931). For this, different treatment combinations of ZnSO4·7H2O (0.5%) and FeSO4·7H2O (0.5%), along with the recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), were applied to the lentil. The results of study reported that the combined foliar application of ZnSO4·7H2O (0.5%) + FeSO4·7H2O (0.5%) at pre-flowering (S1) and pod formation (S2) stages was most effective in enhancing grain and straw yield, Zn and Fe concentration, and uptake. However, the outcome of this treatment was statistically on par with the results obtained under the treatment ZnSO4·7H2O (0.5%) + FeSO4·7H2O (0.5%) at S1 stage. A single spray of ZnSO4·7H2O (0.5%) + FeSO4·7H2O (0.5%) at S1 stage enhanced the grain and straw yield up to 39.6% and 51.8%, respectively. Similarly, Zn and Fe concentrations showed enhancement in grain (10.9% and 20.4%, respectively) and straw (27.5% and 27.6% respectively) of the lentil. The increase in Zn and Fe uptake by grain was 54.8% and 68.0%, respectively, whereas uptake by straw was 93.6% and 93.7%, respectively. Also the benefit:cost was the highest (1.96) with application of ZnSO4·7H2O (0.5%) + FeSO4·7H2O (0.5%) at S1 stage. Conclusively, the combined use of ZnSO4·7H2O (0.5%) + FeSO4·7H2O (0.5%) at S1 stage can contribute significantly towards yield, Zn and Fe concentration, as well as uptake and the economic returns of lentil to remediate the Zn and Fe deficiency.

Tomato and Olive Bioactive Compounds: A Natural Shield against the Cellular Effects Induced by ß-Hexachlorocyclohexane-Activated Signaling Pathways.

The ß-isomer of hexachlorocyclohexane (ß-HCH) is a globally widespread pollutant that embodies all the physicochemical characteristics of organochlorine pesticides, constituting an environmental risk factor for a wide range of noncommunicable diseases. Previous in vitro studies from our group disclosed the carcinogenic potential of ß-HCH, which contributes to neoplastic transformation by means of multifaceted intracellular mechanisms. Considering the positive evidence regarding the protective role of natural bioactive compounds against pollution-induced toxicity, micronutrients from olive and tomato endowed with the capability of modulating ß-HCH cellular targets were tested. For this purpose, the solution obtained from a patented food supplement (No. EP2851080A1), referred to as Tomato and Olive Bioactive Compounds (TOBC), was administered to the androgen-sensitive prostate cancer cells LNCaP and different biochemical and cellular assays were performed to evaluate its efficiency. TOBC shows a dose-dependent significant chemoprotection by contrasting ß-HCH-induced intracellular responses such as STAT3 and AhR activation, disruption of AR signaling, antiapoptotic and proliferative activity, and increase in ROS production and DNA damage. These experimental outcomes identified TOBC as a suitable functional food to be included in a diet regimen aimed at defending cells from ß-HCH negative effects, recommending the development of tailored enriched formulations for exposed individuals.

Mutation in OsFWL7 Affects Cadmium and Micronutrient Metal Accumulation in Rice.

Micronutrient metals, such as Mn, Cu, Fe, and Zn, are essential heavy metals for plant growth and development, while Cd is a nonessential heavy metal that is highly toxic to both plants and humans. Our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying Cd and micronutrient metal accumulation in plants remains incomplete. Here, we show that OsFWL7, an FW2.2-like (FWL) family gene in Oryza sativa, is preferentially expressed in the root and encodes a protein localized to the cell membrane. The osfwl7 mutation reduces both the uptake and the root-to-shoot translocation of Cd in rice plants. Additionally, the accumulation of micronutrient metals, including Mn, Cu, and Fe, was lower in osfwl7 mutants than in the wildtype plants under normal growth conditions. Moreover, the osfwl7 mutation affects the expression of several heavy metal transporter genes. Protein interaction analyses reveal that rice FWL proteins interact with themselves and one another, and with several membrane microdomain marker proteins. Our results suggest that OsFWL7 is involved in Cd and micronutrient metal accumulation in rice. Additionally, rice FWL proteins may form oligomers and some of them may be located in membrane microdomains.

Emerging role of selenium in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: An insight on its antioxidant properties.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an inflammatory disease primarily involves the inflamed synovium, affecting about 0.5-1 % population worldwide. It is the assumption from many years that oxidative stress is involved in the pathophysiology of inflammatory disorders like RA and many others. The significance of micronutrients in arthritis is linked to their role as a cofactor for the activation of selenoenzymes. Dietary interventions can manage the clinical symptoms of RA like pain, swelling and tenderness of joints and their associated disability along the progression of disease. This review highlights the antioxidant potential of selenium in treatment of RA along with the scientific evidence that Se supplementation can reduce disease progression by managing its clinical symptoms.

Potentials of Musa Species Fruits against Oxidative Stress-Induced and Diet-Linked Chronic Diseases: In Vitro and In Vivo Implications of Micronutritional Factors and Dietary Secondary Metabolite Compounds.

Nutritional quality and the well-being of the body system are directly linked aspects of human survival. From the unborn foetus to adulthood, the need for sustainable access to micronutrient-rich foods is pertinent and the global consumption of banana and plantain fruits, in effect, contributes to the alleviation of the scourge of malnutrition. This review is particularly aimed at evaluating the pharmacological dimensions through the biological mechanisms of Musa fruits in the body, which represent correlations with their constituent micronutrient factors and dietary polyphenolic constituents such as minerals, vitamin members, anthocyanins, lutein, α-,ß- carotenes, neoxanthins and cryptoxanthins, epi- and gallo catechins, catecholamines, 3-carboxycoumarin, ß-sitosterol, monoterpenoids, with series of analytical approaches for the various identified compounds being highlighted therein. Derivative value-products from the compartments (flesh and peel) of Musa fruits are equally highlighted, bringing forth the biomedicinal and nutritional relevance, including the potentials of Musa species in dietary diversification approaches.

Silymarin and Derivatives: From Biosynthesis to Health Benefits.

The past decade has been marked by an intense scientific interest in the use of compounds or micronutrients of natural origin and their potential effects on human health, both from researchers and industry [...].

Antioxidants and Health-Beneficial Nutrients in Fruits of Eighteen Cucurbita Cultivars: Analysis of Diversity and Dietary Implications.

Aging is accompanied by gradual accumulation of molecular damage within cells in response to oxidative stress resulting from adverse environmental factors, inappropriate lifestyle, and numerous diseases. Adequate antioxidant intake is a key factor of proper diet. The study aimed to assess the antioxidant/antiradical capacities of Cucurbita fruits (18 cultivars of the species: C. maxima Duch., C. moschata Duch., C. pepo L., and C. ficifolia Bouché) grown in central Europe. The analyses were based on the FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power), CUPRAC (cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity), and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical) assays. The content of phenolic compounds and ß-carotene was evaluated with HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography), while the main macro- and micronutrients by ICP-OES (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry). The results revealed high intraspecies variability within the Cucurbita genus. The Japanese 'Kogigu' fruits were distinguished as extraordinary sources of phenolic compounds, including syringic and protocatechuic acids, catechin, and kaempferol. Another popular cultivar 'Hokkaido' exhibited the highest antioxidant and antiradical capacities. Most of the fruits proved to be rich sources of zinc and copper. The obtained data are discussed in the context of optimized nutrition of the elderly and suggest that Cucurbita fruits should become daily components of their diet.

Influence of refining processes on the bioactive composition, in vitro antioxidant capacity, and their correlation of perilla seed oil.

The effect of chemical refining process on the bioactive composition, in vitro antioxidant capacity, and their correlation of perilla seed oil (PSO) were investigated. In this paper, seven samples corresponding to each step of the refining process (degumming, neutralization, bleaching, deodorization, winterization, crude, and refined oils) were studied. The results showed that phenolic compounds and tocopherols were removed from PSO to a degree of 19.4% and 5.4%, respectively. In addition, the carotenoid content of PSO decreased during the refining process. The main carotenoid of PSO was found to be lutein, and the compound was lost completely during the bleaching step of the refining process. In this paper, we analyzed the variation of carotenoid content in PSO during the refining process for the first time. Neutralization affected the contents of phytosterols the most, followed by the effects of degumming and bleaching. The demonstrated results of Pearson product-moment correlation indicated that total tocopherols were significantly correlated with the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and oxygen radical absorption capacity (ORAC) values, whereas carotenoids were significantly correlated with the DPPH value. However, phenolic compounds and phytosterols have no significant difference with DPPH, 2,2'-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt, ORAC, and ferric reducing antioxidant power values. The collected information can be applied to seeking out optimum factors needed to suffice the fundamental requirements for PSO production and minimize micronutrient losses to enhance its market value. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The present study aimed to determine influence of chemical refining in the bioactive composition of perilla seed oil (PSO) as well as its antioxidant capacity in vitro. Moreover, we also intend to find the correlation between them. Results indicated that this study supplies a good reference for the industrial parameters of the refining process to minimize micronutrient losses and further obtain high-quality PSO products for consumers.

Using Nanochelating Technology for Biofortification and Yield Increase in Rice.

Iron is a vital microelement that plays an important role in plant metabolism. Consuming a large amount of chemical fertilizers increases the risk factors of neoplastic diseases such as heavy metals and harmful components in crops edible parts. Therefore, utilizing novel technologies to increase yields without requiring more chemical fertilizers seems essential. In this regard, nanotechnology holds considerable potentials for creating valuable outputs in agriculture. The effect of nano chelated iron fertilizer, which is synthesized based on novel nanochelating technology, on agronomic traits and yield of rice were evaluated in the present study. A randomized complete block experiment was conducted with 3 replicates. The treatments were: T0 (control), T1 (2.5 g/L foliar application twice at nursery with a one-week interval), T2 (foliar application at tillering + T1), T3 (foliar application at booting + T1), T4 (foliar application at tillering and booting + T1), T5 (8 kg/ha soil application at tillering + T1), T6 (8 kg/ha soil application at booting + T1), T7 (4 kg/ha soil application at tillering + 4 kg/ha soil application at booting + T1). Nano chelated iron fertilizer increased biological yield by 27% and decreased hollow grain number by 254%; in addition, it raised protein content by 13%. This fertilizer also led to increase in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron and zinc concentrations in white rice by 46%, 43%, 41%, 25% and 50%, respectively. Nanochelating technology can decrease the need for chemical fertilizers; additionally, this technology has the capability to bio-fortify crops with vital micronutrients.

Education and Income Levels are Associated With Energy and Micronutrient Intake.

Introduction: According to the literature, education and income are determinants factors of diet quality and consequently of micronutrient intake. However, this association is still little known among adults who live in middle-income countries. Objective: To estimate energy and micronutrients intake by men and women living in a capital city in southern Brazil, according to education and income levels, and to identify prevalence of inadequate micronutrient intake according also to education and income levels. Method: This is a second wave cross-sectional analysis of a population-based longitudinal study, the EpiFloripa Adultos, including 1,222 individuals of 22-63 years. Data on food consumption were obtained through applying two 24-hour dietary recalls, and the prevalence of inadequate micronutrient intake, following the recommendations of the Institute of Medicine and from the National Research Council. Results: A tendency of increased intake with an increase in income (calcium, vitamins C, E) and education levels (calcium, vitamins A, C, D) was observed for most of the micronutrients analyzed (p<0.05 in all cases); still, a prevalence of inadequacy according to Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) between 85.5-100% in intake of vitamins A, D and E were found for the whole sample. Iron inadequate intake was associated with education level and among women less than 50 years of age (p=0.018). Conclusion: The results showed an influence of the education and income levels on micronutrient intake, point to the need of daily food consumption, of minimally processed and in natura foods (as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, milk and its derivatives) as a means to reduce the encountered inadequacies.

Maternal Human Milk Oligosaccharide Profile Modulates the Impact of an Intervention with Iron and Galacto-Oligosaccharides in Kenyan Infants.

There is little data on human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) composition in Sub-Saharan Africa. Iron fortificants adversely affect the infant gut microbiota, while co-provision of prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) mitigates most of the adverse effects. Whether variations in maternal HMO profile can influence the infant response to iron and/or GOS fortificants is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine HMO profiles and the secretor/non-secretor phenotype of lactating Kenyan mothers and investigate their effects on the maternal and infant gut microbiota, and on the infant response to a fortification intervention with 5 mg iron (2.5 mg as sodium iron ethylenediaminetetraacetate and 2.5 mg as ferrous fumarate) and 7.5 g GOS. We studied mother-infant pairs (n = 80) participating in a 4-month intervention trial in which the infants (aged 6.5-9.5 months) received daily a micronutrient powder without iron, with iron or with iron and GOS. We assessed: (1) maternal secretor status and HMO composition; (2) effects of secretor status on the maternal and infant gut microbiota in a cross-sectional analysis at baseline of the intervention trial; and (3) interactions between secretor status and intervention groups during the intervention trial on the infant gut microbiota, gut inflammation, iron status, growth and infectious morbidity. Secretor prevalence was 72% and HMOs differed between secretors and non-secretors and over time of lactation. Secretor status did not predict the baseline composition of the maternal and infant gut microbiota. There was a secretor-status-by-intervention-group interaction on Bifidobacterium (p = 0.021), Z-scores for length-for-age (p = 0.022) and weight-for-age (p = 0.018), and soluble transferrin receptor (p = 0.041). In the no iron group, longitudinal prevalence of diarrhea was higher among infants of non-secretors (23.8%) than of secretors (10.4%) (p = 0.001). In conclusion, HMO profile may modulate the infant gut microbiota response to fortificant iron; compared to infants of secretor mothers, infants of non-secretor mothers may be more vulnerable to the adverse effect of iron but also benefit more from the co-provision of GOS.

Technology for Triple Fortification of Salt with Folic Acid, Iron, and Iodine.

As many of the maternal and child health complications result from folic acid, iron, and iodine deficiencies; it makes sense to combat these simultaneously. We have developed cost-effective technology to deliver these three micronutrients simultaneously through salt. Our goal was to retain at least 70% of the micronutrients during 6 months of storage. The fortified salt was formulated by spraying a solution that contained 2% iodine and 0.5% or 1% folic acid onto salt and adding encapsulated ferrous fumarate. The formulated triple fortified salt contained 1,000 ppm iron, 50 ppm iodine, and 12.5 or 25 ppm folic acid. The spray solution and the salt were stored for 2 and 6 months respectively at 25, 35, and 45 °C 60 to 70% relative humidity. Even at 45 °C, over 70% of both iodine and folic acid were retained in the salt. The best formulation based on the color of the salt and stability of iodine and folic acid contained 12.5 ppm folic acid, 50 ppm iodine, and 1,000 ppm iron. These results indicate that iron, iodine, and folic acid can be simultaneously delivered to a vulnerable population through salt using the technology described. Also, the quality control of the process can be developed around pteroic acid that was detected as a primary degradation product of folic acid. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The technology developed is already transferred to India for industrial scale up. When fully operational, the technology will simultaneously solve iron, iodine, and folic acid deficiencies in vulnerable populations at a very low cost.

Potential of Colocasia leaves in human nutrition: Review on nutritional and phytochemical properties.

Colocasia esculenta leaves possess vital nutritive and nonnutritive components in significant amounts, but are underutilized, and lesser explored. The chemical composition varies significantly depending upon climatic conditions and other agronomical factors of the location of cultivation and variety. Micronutrients, viz. iron (3.4-11.7 mg 100 g-1 ), copper (0.29-0.8 mg 100 g-1 ), magnesium (170-752 mg 100 g-1 ), potassium (0.4-2.4 g 100 g-1 ), and zinc (0.6-4.2 mg 100 g-1 ) are present in high amounts. The ratio of sodium to potassium (1:40) in the leaves add specifically to the antihypertensive properties. Preclinical and clinical studies provide evidence of its antidiabetic, antihemorrhagic, neuropharmacological properties, and as a remedy for stomach and liver ailments. Assessment of phytochemical compounds like chlorogenic acid, anthraquinones, cinnamic acid derivatives, and other phenolics validates these biological properties. The major limiting factor of this plant is oxalate that can be suppressed through food processing strategies. Colocasia leaves are promising green leafy vegetables with nutritional and clinical potential. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Colocasia leaves have demonstrated the ability of antidiabetic, antihypertensive, immunoprotective, neuroprotective, and anticarcinogenic activities. The detailed assessment of phytochemical compounds present in various extracts of the leaves shows the presence of active chemical compounds like anthraquinones, apigenin, catechins, cinnamic acid derivatives, vitexin, and isovitexin which are possibly responsible for the exhibited biological properties. Colocasia leaves are rich sources of micronutrients; however, the presence of oxalates can prohibit proper utilization of these nutrients. Various food processing strategies like soaking, cooking, and so on can significantly reduce the antinutritional content and make these nutrients available for utilization. Documentation of traditional uses and food products from Colocasia leaves show that these leaves have immense potential in the functional food product as well as drug development.

Selenium⁻Fascinating Microelement, Properties and Sources in Food.

Selenium is a micronutrient that is essential for the proper functioning of all organisms. Studies on the functions of selenium are rapidly developing. This element is a cofactor of many enzymes, for example, glutathione peroxidase or thioredoxin reductase. Insufficient supplementation of this element results in the increased risk of developing many chronic degenerative diseases. Selenium is important for the protection against oxidative stress, demonstrating the highest activity as a free radical scavenger and anti-cancer agent. In food, it is present in organic forms, as exemplified by selenomethionine and selenocysteine. In dietary supplementation, the inorganic forms of selenium (selenite and selenate) are used. Organic compounds are more easily absorbed by human organisms in comparison with inorganic compounds. Currently, selenium is considered an essential trace element of fundamental importance for human health. Extreme selenium deficiencies are widespread among people all over the world. Therefore, it is essential to supplement the deficiency of this micronutrient with selenium-enriched food or yeast cell biomass in the diet.

The Effect of Microwave Pretreatment on Micronutrient Contents, Oxidative Stability and Flavor Quality of Peanut Oil.

The purpose of the present study is to investigate the changes in extraction yield, physicochemical properties, micronutrients content, oxidative stability and flavor quality of cold pressed peanut oil extracted from microwave (MW) treated seeds (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 min, 700 W). The acid value and peroxide value of extracted oil from MW-treated peanuts were slightly increased but far below the limit in the Codex standard. Compared with the untreated sample, a significant (p < 0.05) increase in extraction yield (by 33.75%), free phytosterols content (by 32.83%), free tocopherols content (by 51.36%) and induction period (by 168.93%) of oil extracted from 5 min MW-treated peanut were observed. MW pretreatment formed pyrazines which contribute to improving the nutty and roasty flavor of oil. In conclusion, MW pretreatment is a feasible method to improve the oil extraction yield and obtain the cold pressed peanut oil with longer shelf life and better flavor.

Protein Oxidation in Plant Protein-Based Fibrous Products: Effects of Encapsulated Iron and Process Conditions.

Plant protein-based fibrous structures have recently attracted attention because of their potential as meat replacer formulations. It is, however, unclear how the process conditions and fortification with micronutrients may affect the chemical stability of such products. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of process conditions and the incorporation of iron (free and encapsulated) on protein oxidation in a soy protein-based fibrous product. First, the physicochemical stability of iron-loaded pea protein particles, used as encapsulation systems, was investigated when exposed to 100 or 140 °C. Second, protein oxidation was measured in the iron-fortified soy protein-based fibrous structures made at 100 or 140 °C. Exposure to high temperatures increased the carbonyl content in pea protein particles. The incorporation of iron (free or encapsulated) did not affect carbonyl content in the fibrous product, but the process conditions for making such products induced the formation of carbonyls to a fairly high extent.

Effect of ascorbic acid rich, micro-nutrient fortified supplement on the iron bioavailability of ferric pyrophosphate from a milk based beverage in Indian school children.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Nutritional anemia is a significant public health issue with 50-80% prevalence in Indian children. Fortification of food, specifically milk, with iron is a potential approach to increase dietary iron intake. Ferric pyrophosphate [Fe4(P2O7)3] is organoleptically neutral and is less soluble in acid medium and, further, has low bioavailability in milk. However, since ascorbic acid is a potent enhancer of iron absorption, the coadministration of ascorbic acid with Fe4(P2O7)3 might enhance the absorption of iron. We evaluated the effect of ascorbic acid on iron absorption from a Fe4(P2O7)3 and an ascorbic acid fortified milk beverage with respect to milk fortified with Fe4(P2O7)3 alone. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: A double-blind, two-way crossover, randomized study was conducted in 25 mildly anemic children. The test group received milk fortified with beverage powder containing 7 mg isotopically labeled iron (57Fe/58Fe) as Fe4(P2O7)3, equimolar proportions of ascorbic acid and 200 mg of calcium whereas control group received milk fortified with energy, calcium and iron equivalent beverage powder. Fractional iron absorption was measured by erythrocyte incorporation of stable isotopes of iron (57Fe/58Fe) in both the groups. RESULTS: The fractional iron absorption from the control drink was 0.80% (95% CI: 0.57, 1.12). Fortifying the milk with an equimolar amount of ascorbic acid increased the fractional iron absorption almost 2-fold to 1.58% (95% CI: 1.13, 2.22). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of ascorbic acid in an equimolar ratio with that of iron from Fe4(P2O7)3 salt in milk as a fortificant enhanced iron absorption when compared to milk fortified with only Fe4(P2O7)3.

Encapsulation of micronutrients resveratrol, genistein, and curcumin by folic acid-PAMAM nanoparticles.

It has been shown that encapsulation of dietary polyphenols leads to increased solubility and bioavailability of these micronutrients. The encapsulation of dietary polyphenols resveratrol, genistein, and curcumin by folic acid-PAMAM-G3 and folic acid-PAMAM-G4 nanoparticles was studied in aqueous solution at physiological conditions, using multiple spectroscopic methods, TEM images, and docking studies. The polyphenol bindings are via hydrophilic, hydrophobic, and H-bonding contacts with resveratrol forming more stable conjugates. As folic acid-PAMAM nanoparticle size increased, the loading efficacy and the stability of polyphenol-polymer conjugates were increased. Polyphenol encapsulation induced major alterations of dendrimer morphology. Folic acid-PAMAM nanoconjugates are capable of delivery of polyphenols in vitro.

Understanding pluripotency under folic acid deficiency using embryonic stem cells as an in vitro model.

Innumerable studies have been carried out by people to trace out those elements, find out the mechanisms that are vital to the maintenance of stemness. Amongst them, the one which is gaining importance in the recent past is the metabolism of stem cells, especially One carbon metabolism. Being associated directly or indirectly, with DNA and Histone methylation, One carbon metabolism has an important role to play as far as epigenetic regulation of stemness is concerned. Folic acid being a methyl donor, forms an important component of One Carbon metabolism, and thus its availability has a significant effect on the methylation reactions. The present hypothesis says, using embryonic stem cells grown in vitro as a model system, one can study how deficiency of Folate during pre implantation embryonic development influence the self renewal as well as pluripotency of stem cells, from the perspective of One carbon metabolism and epigenetic mechanisms. Findings from such a study can possibly provide an explanation for the observed intra uterine growth retardation seen under maternal micronutrient deficiency.