"For their new meta-analysis, researchers analysed and compared data from different studies where crops were grown at various CO2 levels, both indoors and outdoors. They looked at 43 edible crops in total, including rice, barley, potatoes, tomatoes, wheat, soybeans, peanuts and lettuce. According to the analysis, when the CO2 level doubles, so too does the detrimental effect on the nutrients in the crops."
"The team from Leiden University warn of a 'pervasive elemental shift' across a wide range of popular edible plants. 'Nutrient security is under threat even if food security remains adequate,' they say. 'Food will become more caloric and less nutritious.' As a result, humans will suffer higher rates of obesity, weakened immunity and more chronic diseases, according to the team."
A meta-analysis compared data from studies where 43 edible crops were grown at varying atmospheric CO2 levels indoors and outdoors. Elevated CO2 boosted photosynthesis, raising sugars and starches and increasing calories per sample. Elevated CO2 also reduced concentrations of protein, zinc, iron and other nutrients, with average declines around 4.4% and some reductions up to 38%. Chickpeas showed the largest average zinc decline; wheat and rice exhibited significant nutrient losses. As a result, diets based on affected staples could become more caloric but less nutritious, increasing risks of obesity, weakened immunity and chronic disease.
Read at Mail Online
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