What is QPM?
Quality Protein Maize is corn that… • Doubles the protein digestibility as traditional corn; • Has 90% digestible protein as compared to skim milk; • Increases crop yields as compared to traditional corn; • Reduces stunting (in weaning children especially) that is often caused by protein/calorie deficient diets; • Allows one-stomach animals to grow and gain weight faster. Maize (corn) is a food staple found in many developing countries. In addition to supplying needed calories, maize is often the single largest source of protein intake for the poor. However, children weaned on normal maize receive protein with low levels of two nutritionally-vital amino acids, lysine and tryptophan. Discovering this limitation led to 30 years of research. Scientists at Purdue University (USA) identified a maize strain with a gene that increased levels of these amino acids. Scientists at CIMMYT (Centro Internacional de Mejoramiento de Maiz y Trigo, Int.) in Mexico continued efforts to improve its viabil
