I was surprised by a recent clinical report on organic foods. I summarized the findings in the video. Sure, I thought organic foods didn’t offer any more nutrition (vitamins, minerals, fatty acids) than foods grown conventionally. I’d seen a large study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine evaluating research spanning 1966 to 2011 that didn’t cite evidence that foods were more nutritious or better for us, per se. But I did recognize that data was on the side of organics when it came to keeping our children healthy and safe–because of pesticides.
I wasn’t entirely correct.
The American Academy of Pediatrics’ clinical report found that although levels of pesticides differ on fruits and produce, the effects on the health of our children remain inconclusive for recommending organics. If money were no issue, the short answer to the question of “Should I buy organic food?” is “Yes.” But finances do clearly play a part in our decisions. Thing is, many consumers are buying organic foods: in 2010, organic foods sales were over $26 billion. And although organic foods are better for the environment and the future of farming, data doesn’t confer organic foods offer more nutrition or improved safety from bacteria. The big difference between organic and conventionally grown produce is the pesticide residuals…but current science doesn’t bear out to always recommend organic food when you’re making those grocery-aisle decisions. Especially when it comes to milk and meat.
The Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) went so far as to hold off on recommending organic infant formula or milk (no real pesticides detected and although bovine hormone levels differed, health effects didn’t). And the AAP remain fairly equivocal about organic meat and produce. But they did point out that making priorities for some organic foods may make financial sense for many of us.
What Foods Should I Buy Organic?
If you can afford it and are considering buying selective organic foods, check out the Environmental Working Group (EWG) lists. The Dirty Dozen (those foods you should try to buy organic when you can) and the Clean Fifteen (those foods you may want to save your money on and buy conventionally). The AAP recommended using these two websites when making decisions: Consumer Report’s: Fruits and Vegetable, When to Buy Organic and EWG’s Shopper’s Buide to Pesticides. The very short version:
- Buy apples, celery, lettuces, and berries organic when you can. If you aren’t going to peel it, you may want to buy organic. Buy conventionally grown fruits and veggies that have thick skins that will come off before eating (avocados, pineapples, corn, mangoes, eggplant).
- When home, use a veggies brush and wash all produce and veggies thoroughly. Then rinse again and repeat…
Until organic foods are the standard –around the world –and price differences disappear, we can make choices when and if we buy organic or not. Reality is whatever we do, the most important (and very rigorous) task for our family is the ongoing effort to provide a diet high in fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean meat and dairy. That in itself will likely always be far more important that what brand we buy or how the food was grown…
Meagan says
Yeah, I don’t buy it. The official stance that is… I DO buy organic.
I know anicdotes aren’t evidence, but I know too many people who have clear and obvious reactions to non-organic milk. At least one was a 4 year old with almost immediate behavioral improvement when she was switched to organics for unrelated reasons… So probably not placebo. I don’t know of anything so striking with foods aside from milk, but it makes me really suspicious of all these supposedly safe chemicals. I generally trust the AAP. This recent statement was very disappointing to me,
Melis says
I spoke to a grocery producer who advised me to be weary when buying organic produce from outside of the US (apples when they aren’t in season locally, etc). He stated that they may have been grown organically, however when imported into the US they are sprayed with pesticides due to importing regulations? To be fair, I haven’t researched the regulations myself, but it caused me to think…
Kathryn says
I believe that the research cited (other than EWG) as well as the response from Dr. Swanson unfortunately omits some important points.
First, the term “organic” is overused and in many cases (I feel) misappropriated… it does not designate so many elements that are vital to have in our food and food sources like: sustainable, free range and local.
Second, when looking at the impact of conventional farming and ranching methods it is important to realize that, as a population, we continue to move our food sources farther and farther from natural processes (animals grazing for their food, natural selection causing plant evolution and bees busily pollinating for crops to bear). I think it is a bit alarming that corn was mentioned as being “ok in the conventional form” without mentioning the unknown issues GMO corn is causing.
The fact is that just as the effects of genetically modified produce is JUST beginning to be felt, we really don’t know what effect pesticide residues will have on the humans that consume them. These tiered issues are simply too complex to be brazenly explained away with a “just eat fresh veggies” explanation.
Yes, first and foremost it is important to feed our children nutritiously but as parents and contributing members of society wouldn’t it be better if, in opinion pieces and research, nutrition (and food sources) were explained as a challenge with a MULTI-step solution.
freezercharlie says
the whole organic industry is based on scaring rich people. https://skeptoid.com/episode.php?id=4019
kelly says
Thanks mama doc, for this piece. I realize we all have to make our own decisions when it comes to which foods to provide for our kids. These tips, the aap reference, and the websites you provide are really helpful in making informed decisions! Thanks for being thorough… and for having an opinion! You are great. Keep it coming!!!!
Viki says
Interesting post to follow so closely behind your arsenic-contaminated rice post. It has become “conventional” to poison our soil and water ways, with the true effects to only unfold over many decades. Pesticide-treated and synthetically fertilized crops are only cheaper because of government subsidies of industrial farming. I never believed organic certified or pesticide-free (non-certified) food was more nutritious. I do think that maintaining a local food supply is extremely important.
The AAP is taking a very narrow view by focusing only on the macro nutrient content of these foods. These position statements are sparse and based on large amounts of data. Effects of pesticide, like the arsenic in rice, msy not bubble up on that level. Just this summer I was hearing about crop failures and loss of livestock here in Snohomish county due to the use of a pesticide approved in July for use in weed control in dairy operations. After hearing from farmers that this pesticide stays in the soil, is heat tolerant, passes on to manure and milk in dairy cows, there is NO way I’m letting my kids drink non-organic milk anymore. Perhaps it’s fine in humans. Or perhaps, like with lead and arsenic, it’ll take a few decades to figure out. I’d rather pay that extra price per gallon to ensure a less contaminated milk supply. I sure hope others make the sacrific so pesticide-free milk continues to be available.
Karen Arras says
There’s no need to elaborate on Viki’s reply as she covers most of the bases. Little do we know of the cummulative effects of pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides. They can make their way into our water systems and continue their effect on our environment in other ways. Until proven otherwise, I vote organic or eco- friendly and local.
Snookums says
Ever since the ecoli beef scare we had up here in Canada, I’ve subscribed to Canada Food Inspection Agency’s food alert list and so far, every single salmonella alert has been for an organic product (spices, peanuts,salads,etc.)Anyway, it has definitely made me rethink the idea that organics are de facto healthier….
Snookums says
Also, I would be skeptical of EWG. They have been caught playing fast and loose with the data before. They caused a majot panic about sunscreen with retinol vitmain A in it. Not to mention their very, very misleading skin deep cosmetics database, which will have you believing everything in your bathroom cabinet is giving you cancer. Basically, they’re willing to misuse data to push their agenda. Which is fair enough, but you need to be keep that in mind when reading their reports.
Kathy in WA says
What I didn’t get about this paper is that they went into the study with the premise that most people choose organic foods for Health-related reasons. I would argue there are a large number of people who choose to buy organic for environmental reasons. I highly doubt organic foods have a significantly better nutritional profile, but I sure as heck know they are safer for the planet, and the human race, in the LONG TERM.
Kathy in WA says
…by reducing our reliance and consumption of fossil fuels.
Jasmine Ward says
I buy everything organic. It’s not only the pesticides you have to worry about, but also genetic modification. I’d rather be safe than sorry.
Meg says
As others have mentioned, it is not the nutritional content of organic foods that concerns me, but rather the unknown longterm affects that pesticides, fertilizers, and most importantly genetically modified foods (GMO’s) have on ourselves and particularly our small children whose bodies and systems are still developing.
What bothers me the most about this post is the comment that “until organic foods are the standard” and the “price differences disappear”, we can choose what we would rather buy. In a perfect world we could all wait until organic food prices fell and became more accesible for mainstream America. However, the reality is if the majority of people are spending their money on conventional foods and farming methods, then demand for organic foods will not change and therefore the prices will not lower. We can make a big difference with what we buy with our dollars everyday. This message needs to be spread, rather than let’s just sit back and wait.
We do know that organic farming is better for the soil, the planet, and therefore for humans. That alone would be reason enough for me to buy organic. However, it seems then that there is a pretty good chance that it is also better for my children. I would rather not risk the alternative. So I will continue to spend my hard earned dollars on organic foods hoping to help precipitate change.
concerned mom says
I’m an avid reader of your blog, as a mother of a toddler with a baby on the way in a few weeks. I completely agree with your assessment on organic foods.
I have a question I can’t seem to get a straight answer on from anyone, so I was hoping you could weigh in: Do you think it’s important to have an organic mattress on a crib? Since I’m due in a few weeks, I need to buy a new mattress and I have been reading all about the dangers of off-gassing from Polyurethane – that can reportedly cause everything from cancer to autism in the susceptible bodies of infants.
In your professional assessment, can you tell me if there is a legitimate cause for concern about infant mattresses made with Polyurethane foam? Is this a case where it’s best to spend the extra money to buy organic?
Thanks so much for any advice.
Wendy Sue Swanson, MD, MBE says
hi concerned mom,
I’ve had a hard time finding great info/data to support an answer for your question. I’ll keep poking around. If you can afford it, you may feel better with the organic material but I don’t have a specific study to point you to. Here’s a nice blog post that summarizes some of the topics you bring up, but there is no scientific references cited:
https://safemama.com/2011/05/11/guest-post-411-on-mattress-off-gassing-giveaway/
Of course I think you should have a crib that meets standards for safety and if it is very “smelly” of plastic when you get it, let it air out until the baby comes.
Here’s info from the 2011 American Academy of Pediatrics updated statement on preventing SIDS. No mention of specific material for mattresses that mention your concerns that I can find on my re-read of the policy today.
Here’s an excerpt:
. Only mattresses designed for
the specific product should
be used. Mattresses should
be firm and maintain their
shape even when the fitted
sheet designated for that
model is used, such that
there are no gaps between
the mattress and the side of
the crib, bassinet, portable
crib, or play yard. Pillows or
cushions should not be used
as substitutes for mattresses
or in addition to a mattress.
Soft materials or objects
such as pillows, quilts, comforters, or sheepskins, even if
covered by a sheet, should
not be placed under a sleeping infant. If a mattress cover
to protect against wetness is
used, it should be tight fitting and thin.
Here’s a link to the CPSC site on safety (very general info):
https://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/5030.html
Elizabeth Miller says
The question I have is how did they figure out it was not more nutritious to go organic? I mean really how do you tell if a food has more nutrients in it or not? Yes, our stomach acids do break down the pesticides, but is that good for our stomach? I’m just curious, I know we love to throw big organizations out there and then believe that truth has been established but I just want a deeper understanding.