Organic Food Has No Benefits Over Conventional Food, Says Study
Featured Article
Academic Journal
Main Category: Nutrition / Diet
Also Included In: Water - Air Quality / Agriculture
Article Date: 05 Sep 2012 - 3:00 PDT
Overall, organic foods are not nutritionally superior to conventional foods, neither are they safer regarding bacterial contamination, researchers from Stanford University School of Medicine reported in Annals of Internal Medicine. The scientists emphasized that they did not find any significant evidence pointing to nutritional benefits linked to the consumption of organic foods. They did, however, find "weak evidence" of higher phenol levels in organic produce.
While eating organic vegetables and fruits does mean that the consumer has approximately 30% less exposure to pesticide residues, conventional foods are well below threshold limits set by regulatory authorities anyway, the authors explained.
Crystal Smith-Spangler, MD, MS, Dena Bravata, MD, MS, and team carried out a review of 17 human studies and 223 other studies of nutrient and contaminant levels in fresh foods, including pork, beef, chicken, eggs, milk, grains, vegetables and fruit. Their aim was to compare the safety, nutritional and health characteristics of conventional and organic foods.
Dr. Bravata, after carrying out a literature search, found that most of the studies were "confusing". Some of the ones that appeared in trade publications were not very thorough. There seemed to be no study with a comprehensive synthesis of evidence which clearly showed the benefits versus the harms of conventional and organic foods.
Studies on organic foods have produced varying results. One in February 2012 found that organic rice may have high levels of arsenic.
A 2010 study published in PLoS ONE reported that organic strawberries have more antioxidants and vitamin C but less potassium and phosphorus than conventionally grown strawberries.
Researchers were surprised to find no nutritional benefits linked to organic foods
The research team found no compelling evidence in any of the studies that they reviewed which demonstrated that organic foods are considerably more nutritious than other foods.
Sales of organic food were worth over $26 billion in 2010. Dr. Smith-Spangler said, "some believe that organic food is always healthier and more nutritious. My colleagues and I were a little surprised that we didn't find that.".........
Organic Food Has No Benefits Over Conventional Food, Says Study