Vistive Gold

Vistive Gold is a genetically modified variety of soybean (Glycine max) developed by the Monsanto Company. It is engineered to produce oil with a fatty acid profile that is more suitable for frying and other food processing applications, reducing the need for hydrogenation and thus lowering the trans fat content in foods.

Development and Characteristics

Vistive Gold was developed as part of Monsanto's efforts to create healthier oil options for the food industry. The oil from Vistive Gold soybeans contains high levels of oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat, and low levels of linolenic acid, a polyunsaturated fat. This composition makes the oil more stable at high temperatures, reducing the need for hydrogenation, a process that can create unhealthy trans fats.

The genetic modification in Vistive Gold involves the suppression of certain enzymes that convert oleic acid to linolenic acid, thereby increasing the oleic acid content. This is achieved through the use of RNA interference (RNAi) technology.

Benefits

The primary benefit of Vistive Gold is its ability to produce oil that is low in trans fats, which are associated with an increased risk of heart disease. By providing a stable oil that does not require hydrogenation, Vistive Gold helps food manufacturers meet consumer demand for healthier products.

Additionally, the high oleic content of Vistive Gold oil extends the shelf life of food products and improves their flavor stability.

Regulatory Approval

Vistive Gold has been approved for cultivation and consumption in several countries, including the United States, Canada, and Japan. The approval process involved extensive safety assessments to ensure that the genetically modified soybeans are safe for human consumption and the environment.

Controversies and Concerns

As with many genetically modified organisms (GMOs), Vistive Gold has been subject to controversy. Critics of GMOs express concerns about potential environmental impacts, such as gene flow to non-GMO crops, and the long-term health effects of consuming genetically modified foods.

Proponents argue that Vistive Gold and similar products are essential for meeting global food demands and improving the nutritional quality of food.

Also see

• Genetically modified food
• Soybean oil
• Trans fat
• Monsanto Company
• RNA interference

This GMO-related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it.