Stanford Study: Eating Organic May Not Be More Nutritious

The New York Times recently reported on Stanford University scientists’ findings published in the September 4 issue of Annals of Internal Medicine that organic produce may not be more nutritious than nonorganic produce. The scientists analyzed previous research and used statistical analysis to determine if there are health benefits from eating organic fruits, vegetables, and meats. According to the article, the scientists’ goal was to help consumers make informed choices by providing an objective review of current organic food science.

The study concluded that there is not strong evidence in published literature that organic foods are significantly more nutritious than other foods but eating organic foods can reduce exposure to pesticides and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. It did find that nonorganic produce has more pesticide residue than organic produce (organics may still have some pesticide residue from processing, transport, or nearby produce fields that use pesticide), but almost always within allowed safety limits set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Some of the study’s other findings mentioned in the Times’ article include (1) increased omega-3 fatty acids in organic milk and (2) higher levels of phosphorus and phenols in organic produce, but (3) no obvious health advantages to organic meats and (4) no difference in exposure to dangerous bacteria such as E. coli.  

Organic advocates criticized the study in the Times’ article for not valuing some of the differences between organic and nonorganic foods such as reduced (1) pesticide use and (2) antibiotic-resistant bacteria contamination in meats. They also argued that by combining all organic foods into one study, it may have reduced the benefits of specific foods.

Links:

NYT News Article (already hyperlinked above): http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/04/science/earth/study-questions-advantages-of-organic-meat-and-produce.html

Stanford School of Medicine News Article (already hyperlinked above): http://med.stanford.edu/ism/2012/september/organic.html

Annals of Internal Medicine Sept. 4 Issue Page (already hyperlinked above): http://annals.org/article.aspx?articleid=1355685