Facts about Vitamin A Cassava

Vitamin A cassava is variety modified to contain pro vitamin A or beta-carotene, yellowish in colour and which breaks down in the body to release vitamin A. The three varieties commonly grown in the South West are TMS01/1368, TMS01/1371, and TMS01/1412. It is part of nutrient-rich crops developed by International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to enhance nutrient requirements, increase productivity and reduce hunger in Africa.

Read: cassava cultivation

The varieties were developed to combat vitamin A deficiency (VAD) which is a serious health problem. VAD can lower immunity, impair vision, lead to blindness and cause death in children. Though vitamin A can be obtained from green leafy vegetables, yellow fruits, carrot, mango, palm oil, pawpaw and eggs, people don't get the required amount because they don't consume adequate quantities of the items. Vitamin A cassava varieties are bred to provide at least 50% of the daily need of Vitamin A.

Benefits of eating Vitamin A cassava
* Vitamin A is essential for clear vision especially    old people.
* It enhances brain development in children.
* It is essential for maintenance of pregnancy.
* It is essential for immune function.

Vitamin A cassava products are recommended for diabetic persons because they are low in starch and release nutrient into the body. The leaf of Vitamin A cassava is rich in protein, vitamin and mineral and can be cooked with egusi and served as delicacy.

*** We supply Vit A cassava cuttings ***