#590: Is the Nutrient Density of Crops Declining? – Edward Joy, PhD

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Nutrient density refers to the concentration of vitamins and minerals in crops relative to their yield. There are widespread claims that today's fruits, vegetables, and grains contain fewer micronutrients than in decades past, often linked to modern farming practices or soil degradation. This issue is important because if staple crops become less nutritious, it could silently undermine dietary quality and contribute to micronutrient deficiencies ("hidden hunger") in populations. Dr. Edward Joy is uniquely qualified to address this topic. As a senior research fellow in food systems and nutrition at Rothamsted Research and an associate professor at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical…