What do you know about the "super tomato"?

The science website "Nature Plants" has published a report on a new variety of "super tomato" that has been genetically engineered to produce more vitamin D to reduce vitamin D deficiency worldwide.

British researchers used a gene-editing technology known as "CRISPR" to modify the gene responsible for converting vitamin D3 into cholesterol.

They say modifying this gene allows tomatoes to retain more provitamins, which can be converted into vitamin D through exposure to ultraviolet light or sunlight.

Researchers from the John Innes Center in Norwich claim that the vitamin D you can get from eating one of these genetically modified tomatoes is equivalent to two eggs or 28 grams of tuna, according to the Daily Mail and RT.

 These tomatoes can help meet the daily vitamin requirements of children and adults, reducing the risk of diseases such as cancer, Parkinson's disease and dementia.

"These tomatoes could represent a new food source - with potential public health implications," the researchers said in a press release.

The researchers claim the technology could be adapted for use in a range of other crops - such as potatoes, peppers and hot peppers.

Professor Jay Bobby, professor of ecology at the University of Southampton, who was also not involved in the study, said the breakthrough was particularly important for people eating more plant-based diets - with most vitamin D found in meat and dairy.

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