Recent study misses point of why organic foods matter

By Ira Zunin

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Oct 06, 2012

~~<p>According to a Stanford study recently published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, there is no compelling evidence that eating organic food is healthier than conventional food. The Stanford research team reportedly reviewed thousands of previous studies and compiled 237 that were deemed relevant. Only 17 were considered high-quality research (randomized controlled trials) and no study looked at health outcomes beyond two years.</p>
<p>Researchers reported that although levels of two nutrients, phosphorus and omega-3s, were higher in some organic foods, other nutrient and vitamin levels were not higher compared to conventional foods. They also reported that pesticide levels were higher in conventional foods, as was exposure to antibiotic-resistant bacteria, but noted that no negative health effects were appreciated despite the lack of long-term follow-up.</p>
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According to a Stanford study recently published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, there is no compelling evidence that eating organic food is healthier than conventional food. The Stanford research team reportedly reviewed thousands of previous studies and compiled 237 that were deemed relevant. Only 17 were considered high-quality research (randomized controlled trials) and no study looked at health outcomes beyond two years.

Researchers reported that although levels of two nutrients, phosphorus and omega-3s, were higher in some organic foods, other nutrient and vitamin levels were not higher compared to conventional foods. They also reported that pesticide levels were higher in conventional foods, as was exposure to antibiotic-resistant bacteria, but noted that no negative health effects were appreciated despite the lack of long-term follow-up. Login for more...