Study Warns Crops May Have Half the Nutrients They Did 60 Years Ago

November 9, 2026
Study Warns Crops May Have Half the Nutrients They Did 60 Years Ago
  • A recent study from UK-based Deep Science Ventures (DSV) says many crops—including wheat, apples and carrots—may provide about half the nutrients they did 60 years ago.

  • Among the nutrients reported to be declining are potassium, iron, selenium and zinc.

  • DSV senior associate Will Summers cites climate change, soil degradation and crop breeding for faster growth and higher yields at the expense of nutrition as possible causes.

  • Summers and others warn that declining nutrient levels could contribute to micronutrient deficiencies, including in the U.S. and U.K., where diets can be high in calories but low in nutrients.

  • Summers discussed the problem and potential solutions in an interview with Here & Now’s Robin Young.

Summary based on 10 sources


Get a daily email with more Science stories

More Stories