CNR-ISPA research shows light management boosts vitamin B9 in leafy vegetables

Research conducted by the Institute of Food Production Sciences of the National Research Council (CNR-ISPA) in Bari and Lecce has demonstrated that managing light intensity during cultivation can significantly increase vitamin B9 levels in certain leafy vegetable species. The study, published in the journal Scientia Horticulturae, focused on the growth of baby-leaf vegetables such as mizuna, chicory, and tatsoi.

According to researcher Francesco Serio, the increased light availability not only boosts the accumulation of B9—a micronutrient essential for DNA synthesis and cell division—but also leads to a marked reduction in nitrate accumulation in the leaves. This dual effect improves the nutritional profile of the produce without compromising crop productivity.

Findings indicate that a 100-gram portion of mizuna and tatsoi grown using this method can satisfy approximately 45% of the recommended daily folate intake for an adult, and 30% of the recommended amount during pregnancy. This sustainable technique offers a potential solution to global nutritional deficiencies regarding vitamin B9.