(RxWiki News) An important part of a healthy diet includes fruits and vegetables. But does it matter if they are organic or conventional? What does the evidence say?
Questions about the differences between organic and non-organic food continue to confuse parents. And some say there is not good data on it yet.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recently reviewed the historic evidence to offer recommendations. In general, their findings are confusing as well.
"Eat plenty of fruits and veggies."
The clinical report, led by Joel Forman, MD, and Janet Silverstein, MD, of the Committee on Nutrition and Council on Environmental Health with the American Academy of Pediatrics, discussed the currently known evidence about organic and conventional foods.
The report notes that organic farming has been shown to have less of an impact on the environment than non-organic farming.
Research also provides good evidence that organic food has fewer pesticides on it and eating organic food reduces individuals' exposure to pesticides.
"However, current evidence does not support any meaningful nutritional benefits or deficits from eating organic compared with conventionally grown foods," the report notes.
This means that so far, there have not been studies showing there are more actual nutrients in organic food compared to conventional food. The report notes, however, there have not been very many good studies about this.
The report also states there are currently no human studies with strong enough results "that directly demonstrate health benefits or disease protection as a result of consuming an organic diet."
There is also no evidence that eating an organic diet could lead to any harm or disease.
In general, many researchers suggest families should eat diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat or fat-free dairy products, regardless of whether it is organic or conventional.
The clinical report was published October 22 in the journal Pediatrics.
No external funding outside of the AAP was used for this report. No information regarding disclosures was available.
