FROM MECHANISM TO APPLICATION: THE ROLE OF NICOTIANAMINE IN MINERAL BIOAVAILABILITY AND WHOLE-GRAIN BIOFORTIFICATION
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Nicotianamine (NA) is a plant-derived metal chelator with potential to enhance iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) nutrition through its effects on mineral speciation and transport, and has been investigated for broader bioactive roles in non-plant systems. This thesis integrates a narrative literature review with an in vivo investigation to assess NA within nutritionally relevant systems. The review indicates that while mechanistic and controlled studies support a role for NA in enhancing mineral uptake, evidence from biofortification studies is difficult to interpret due to concurrent changes in mineral concentration and composition. In parallel, NA-biofortified whole-grain wheat lines were evaluated using the Gallus gallus intra-amniotic model. Results showed stable mineral homeostasis and microbial abundance under acute exposure, alongside modest, line-dependent intestinal responses. These findings provide a basis for further evaluation of NA-biofortified staple crops. However, the independent contribution of NA to mineral and physiological outcomes remains unresolved within complex dietary systems.