Nowadays, the words genetically modified are not uncommon. It seems we can't walk into a pharmacy or grocery store without reading the labels that tell us what genetically modified substance they contain. It is truly a great feat that scientists have achieved by discovering how to genetically modify the characteristics of living things. Genetically modified foods, for example, have the ability to last longer, become resistant to pesticides, increase their taste and contain more vitamins than their pre-genetically modified parents. Genetically modified foods can also help diets with vitamin deficiencies, which are responsible for many preventable diseases. One of the diseases that can be alleviated through the introduction of vitamin supplements is childhood blindness. An estimate found on goldenrice.org reports that approximately 250,000 to 500,000 children become permanently blind each year due to lack of vitamin A in their diet. Vitamin A is essential for a multitude of functions, including eyesight (Tang). Many rice-consuming populations are particularly vulnerable to vitamin A deficiency, because regular rice does not contain vitamin A or its precursors and intake of vitamin A-containing meat is low (Tang). One way to help reduce vitamin A deficiency among children in rice-consuming populations is the introduction of a genetically modified rice known as "golden" rice which contains beta-carotene, which helps provide vitamin vitamin A to humans. This vitamin supplement produced in rice could help eliminate childhood blindness in these rice-consuming populations. Asialand, a small country that prohibits the cultivation or sale of genetically modified foods within its borders, is one of those rice-consuming populations that would benefit greatly from the introduction of the Golden Ri...... middle of paper. .....childhood blindness is a big concern in rice-consuming countries whose diets lack vitamin A. The introduction of this genetically modified food could end the suffering of children and feed the hungry. Steps must be taken immediately to bring about change. Works Cited Berger, Kathleen. The developing person throughout childhood and adolescence. New York: Worth Publishers, 2009. Print. “The Golden Rice Debate”. CYFERnet. North Carolina State University, 2009. Web. October 10, 2010. “Golden rice will reach those who need it at no extra cost. » Golden rice. Golden Rice Humanitarian Council, 2009. Web. October 10, 2010. Sommer, Alfred. “Leave the chrysalis behind.” Sight and Life Magazine February 2009: 31-36. Internet. October 10, 2010. Tang, G et al. “Golden rice is an effective source of vitamin A.” American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 89 (2009): 1776-83. Internet. October 10. 2010.