Seeds As Important Sources of Dietary Nutrients: The Case for Magnesium.

Magnesium is an important human nutrient that contributes to heart function, blood pressure regulation, bone mineralization, and protein synthesis. Daily dietary requirements vary by life stage, ranging from 310 to 420 mg/day for adults, with recommended intakes not always met in certain populations. Dietary magnesium can be obtained from various food sources including drinking water, but amongst plant and animal foods, seeds have the highest magnesium density. Magnesium delivery to seeds depends on several factors including whole plant magnesium uptake from soil, xylem delivery to vegetative tissues, and phloem retranslocation to developing seeds. In this presentation, we will discuss the whole plant dynamics and known transport processes that contribute to magnesium flow to seeds. Species differences and genotypic differences (within species) will be discussed in relation to breeding opportunities to improve seed magnesium levels. Session participants will gain a better appreciation of the role of magnesium in human health, the current contributions that seed crops make towards our daily magnesium requirements, and the potential to ensure adequate magnesium intakes through targeted breeding efforts.