Organic not all that, nutrition study reveals
Sorry, organic food lovers: A comprehensive review of published research has found no evidence that organic foods are any richer in nutrients than conventionally produced foods.
But the study, published Wednesday in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, did not factor in potential health effects of pesticides and other chemicals used on non-organic foods.
(AP)
Researchers from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine identified 162 studies dating back to 1958 that compared the nutritional value of organic produce and meats with their conventional counterparts. Of those studies, 55 were of good enough quality to be included in the final analysis.
The scientists found no significant difference in the amounts of 8 of 11 nutrients, including Vitamin C, calcium and potassium, studied in organically grown produce. A smaller analysis of animal-based products also found no nutritional difference.
Charles Benbrook, chief scientist for the Oregon-based Organic Center, said some of the data used in the British study were outdated and flawed. He cited a similar analysis done by the center in 2008, which found that organic produce had higher levels of healthy antioxidants.