Effects of organic food consumption on human health; the jury is still out!

Production, Composition and Nutritional Properties of Organic Milk: A Critical Review

Milk is one of the most valuable products in the food industry with most milk production throughout the world being carried out using conventional management, which includes intensive and traditional systems. The intensive use of fertilizers, antibiotics, pesticides and concerns regarding animal health and the environment have given increasing importance to organic dairy and dairy products in the last two decades. This review aims to compare the production, nutritional, and compositional properties of milk produced by conventional and organic dairy management systems. We also shed light on the health benefits of milk and the worldwide scenario of the organic dairy production system. Most reports suggest milk has beneficial health effects with very few, if any, adverse effects reported. Organic milk is reported to confer additional benefits due to its lower omega-6-omega-3 ratio, which is due to the difference in feeding practices, with organic cows predominantly pasture fed. Despite the testified animal, host, and environmental benefits, organic milk production is difficult in several regions due to the cost-intensive process and geographical conditions. Finally, we offer perspectives for a better future and highlight knowledge gaps in the organic dairy management system.

A Comprehensive Analysis of Organic Food: Evaluating Nutritional Value and Impact on Human Health

In recent years, organic agriculture has gained more popularity, yet its approach to food production and its potential impact on consumers' health and various environmental aspects remain to be fully discovered. The goal of organic farming practices is to maintain soil health, sustain ecological systems, maintain fairness in its relationship with the environment and protect the environment in its entirety. Various health benefits have been associated with higher consumption of organic foods. This review identified some of these health benefits, including a reduction in obesity and body mass index (BMI), improvements in blood nutrient composition as well as reductions in maternal obesity and pregnancy-associated preeclampsia risks. Furthermore, organic food consumption can reduce the development of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and colorectal cancers. Upon reviewing the existing literature regarding the nutritional value of organic foods, it was found that organic food contained higher levels of iron, magnesium and vitamin C. However, the evidence available to draw definitive causations remains limited due to study biases, short study durations and confounding variables; thus, it cannot be concluded that the organic diet provides any related health benefits. In this review, we provided essential insights and statistical analysis from the evidence available and consider study limitations to evaluate the potential of organic food consumption in positively impacting human health.

Enhanced Measurement of Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Marketing to Young Immigrant Children in Grocery Store Environments

The marketing of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) within grocers is an obesogenic factor that negatively impacts children's nutritional behavior, specifically for people from racial and ethnic minority groups, such as immigrants. We aimed to develop and employ a methodology that more precisely assesses the availability, price, and promotion of SSBs to young immigrant children within independently owned grocery stores. A case comparison design was used to explore the differences in the grocery store landscape of SSB marketing by conducting an enhanced Nutrition Environment Measures Survey-SSB (NEMS-SSB) within 30 grocery stores in the Hispanic and Latino enclaves in Southwest Detroit, in the Arab and Chaldean enclaves in North-central Detroit, and in Warren, Hamtramck, and Dearborn, in comparison with 48 grocers in Metro Detroit. Unsweetened, plant-based, and organic toddler and infant beverages, as well as questions about marketing, were added to the original NEMS to capture the promotion tactics used in marketing SSBs. NEMS-SSB scores revealed that, in the immigrant enclaves, there was a significantly higher availability of SSBs in grocery stores (-2.38), and they had lower prices than those in the comparison group (-0.052). Unsweetened, plant-based, and organic beverages were unavailable in 97% of all participating grocery stores across both groups. Signage featuring cartoon characters was the most frequent in-store SSB marketing tactic across both groups. Widespread SSB marketing toward toddlers within the grocery stores in immigrant enclaves could be linked with the higher early childhood obesity prevalence among the immigrant population. Our findings can assist local and national organizations in developing and implementing healthy eating interventions. This study must be repeated in other immigrant enclaves across states to provide comparable results.

Exposures to pesticides and risk of cancer: Evaluation of recent epidemiological evidence in humans and paths forward

Knowledge of the role in cancer etiology of environmental exposures as pesticides is a prerequisite for primary prevention. We review 63 epidemiological studies on exposure to pesticides and cancer risk in humans published from 2017 to 2021, with emphasis on new findings, methodological approaches, and gaps in the existing literature. While much of the recent evidence suggests causal relationships between pesticide exposure and cancer, the strongest evidence exists for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and colorectal cancer (CRC), diseases in which the observed associations were consistent across several studies, including high-quality prospective studies and those using biomarkers for exposure assessment, with some observing dose-response relationships. Though high-quality studies have been published since the IARC monograph on organophosphate insecticides in 2017, there are still gaps in the literature on carcinogenic evidence in humans for a large number of pesticides. To further knowledge, we suggest leveraging new techniques and methods to increase sensitivity and precision of exposure assessment, incorporate multi-omics data, and investigate more thoroughly exposure to chemical mixtures. There is also a strong need for better and larger population-based cohort studies that include younger and nonoccupationally exposed individuals, particularly during developmental periods of susceptibility. Though the existing evidence has limitations, as always in science, there is sufficient evidence to implement policies and regulatory action that limit pesticide exposure in humans and, hence, further prevent a significant burden of cancers.

Identifying Future Study Designs for Mental Health and Social Wellbeing Associated with Diets of a Cohort Living in Eco-Regions: Findings from the INSUM Expert Workshop

Diets influence our mental health and social wellbeing (MHSW) in multiple ways. A rising community concept, Eco-Regions, has gained interest. The research project "Indicators for assessment of health effects of consumption of sustainable, organic school meals in Ecoregions" (INSUM) aims to develop future-oriented research approaches to measure the potential health effects of more sustainable and healthy diets. This first part of the project focuses on MHSW with the goal to identify suitable study designs and indicators. The methodology is based on a 2-day workshop with an interdisciplinary group of experts. This paper describes commonly applied research methods on the nexus between diet and MHSW as presented by the experts and summarises key points from the discussions. The results show that the dominating tool to investigate MSHW is questionnaires. Questionnaires vary largely depending on the research design, such as participants or distribution channels. Cohort studies addressing families and including in-depth interventional and/or experimental studies may be suitable for an Eco-Region investigation. Those MHSW studies can be conducted and combined with measurements of somatic health effects. We conclude that indicators should be seen as complementary rather than independent. Explorative research designs are required to investigate complex Eco-Regions.

Nutritional value and antioxidant capacity of organic and conventional vegetables of the genus Allium

There are indications that organically grown plants are safer for health and have higher antioxidant content than conventional ones. Vegetables of the genus Allium L. are a valuable source of health-promoting substances, including compounds with antioxidant properties. The aim of the study was to compare the antioxidant potential and nutritional value of four species of Allium L. vegetables obtained from organic and conventional production: garlic, leek and red and yellow onion. Their proximate and mineral composition were determined, as well as the content of bioactive substances and antioxidant potential. The study showed that the cultivation method significantly influenced the parameters tested. Comparison of organic vegetables with conventional ones in terms of content of dry matter, crude protein and crude fibre revealed no general trend indicating the superiority of one method over the other. However, all organic vegetables analysed were more abundant in minerals (Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn) and bioactive compounds. They also exhibited higher antioxidant capacity as measured by the FRAP and DPPH^. tests. Their consumption (especially organic garlic and leek) may therefore strengthen the body's natural antioxidant defences and is beneficial for health.

Comparison of Lipid Properties and Cadmium and Lead Content in Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) Meat from Three Feeding Grounds

Simple Summary

As a product originating from the most natural living conditions with free foraging, red deer (Cervus elaphus) meat is becoming increasingly popular among consumers. A greater supply of this type of meat can be ensured by dynamically developing red deer farming on permanent grasslands. The study presents a comparison of the properties of lipids and the content of cadmium and lead in the LL and SM muscles of red deer kept in forest, organic farm, and conventional farm feeding grounds. The greater species and phytoncide diversity in the organic feeding ground enriched the quantitative profile and significantly increased the content of beneficial polyunsaturated fatty acids (FAs) (CLA—conjugated linoleic acid, ALA—alpha-linolenic acid, AA—arachidonic acid, and EPA—eicosapentaenoic acid) and the sum of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), n-6 PUFA, and n-3 PUFA, in comparison with conventional farm and forest feeding grounds. It also contributed to a significantly lower n-6/n-3 ratio in both muscles. The study provides valuable data on the nutritional value and ecological safety of venison, which should be regarded as a health-enhancing food product. Furthermore, the present results can help breeders to make decisions about the locations of farms and the choice of red deer nutrition strategies.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to compare the properties of lipids and the content of cadmium and lead in the meat of red deer (Cervus elaphus) kept in a forest feeding ground (FFG) and on organic and conventional farms in Poland. Longissimus lumborum (LL) and Musculus semimembranosus (SM) muscles were collected for the study from 36 red deer carcasses in an equal sex and age ratio (3 and 4 years old). From April to October, the animals consumed only the vegetation growing in the feeding grounds. The floristic and phytoncide composition, as well as the fodder value, of the feeding grounds were assessed. Additionally, the intramuscular fat and cholesterol content, the profile, sum, and ratios of fatty acids (FAs), lipid nutraceutical parameters, and cadmium and lead content were determined in LL and SM. The plant composition comprised 116 species in the organic feeding ground (OFG) and 78 species in the conventional feeding ground (CFG). The LL and SM muscles of the red deer from the organic and forest feeding grounds exhibited significantly lower amounts of fat and cholesterol than those from the conventional system. The differences in the fatty acid composition between the three groups were quite small. Differences in intramuscular fat content contributed to a higher percentage of PUFAs in the FFG and OFG, in comparison to the CFG. In all types of feeding ground, the cadmium (0.002 to 0.008 mg/kg) and lead (0.009 to 0.019 mg/kg) content determined in the meat did not pose a threat to consumers.

How advanced are we on the consequences of oral exposure to food contaminants on the occurrence of chronic non communicable diseases?

The development of an individual during fetal life and childhood is characterized by rapid growth as well as gradual maturation of organs and systems. Beyond the nutritional intake in essential nutrients, food contaminants can permanently influence the way organs mature and function. These processes are called "programming" and play an essential role in the occurrence of non-communicable chronic diseases throughout the lifespan. Populations as pregnant women, fetuses and young children are vulnerable and particularly sensitive to food contaminants which can induce epigenetic modifications transmissible to future generations. Among these contaminants, pesticides are found in most food matrices exposing humans to cocktails of molecules through variable concentrations and duration of exposure. The Maillard reaction products (MRPs) represent other food contaminants resulting from heat treatment of food. Modern diet, rich in fats and sugars, is also rich in neoformed pathogenic compounds, Advanced Glycation End products (AGEs), the levels of which depend on the heat treatment of foods and eating habits and whose effects on health are controversial. In this review, we have chosen to present the current knowledge on the impacts of selected pesticides and MRPs, on the risk of developing during life non-communicable chronic diseases such as IBD, metabolic disorders or allergies. A large review of literature was performed via Pubmed, and the most appropriate studies were summarised.

Diet, but not food type, significantly affects micronutrient and toxic metal profiles in urine and/or plasma; a randomized, controlled intervention trial

BACKGROUND

Observational studies have linked Mediterranean Diets (MedDiet) and organic food consumption with positive health outcomes, which may be explained by higher mineral micronutrient and phenolic intake and lower dietary exposure to toxic compounds.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effects of diet and food type (organic versus conventional) on urinary excretion (UE) and/or plasma concentrations of mineral micronutrients, phenolics and toxic metals.

METHODS

Healthy, adult participants were randomly allocated to a conventional (n=14) or an intervention (n=13) group. During a two-week period, the intervention group consumed a MedDiet made entirely from organic foods, while the conventional group consumed a MedDiet made from conventional foods. Before and after the intervention period, both groups consumed their habitual Western diets made from conventional foods. The primary outcome was UE and/or plasma concentrations of selected mineral micronutrients, toxic metals and phenolic markers. In addition, we monitored diets using food diaries. The participants were aware of study group assignment, but the study assessors were not.

RESULTS

Changing from a Western to a MedDiet for two weeks resulted in significant increases in UE of total phenolics and salicylic acid (by 46 and 45% respectively), the mineral micronutrients Co, I, and Mn (by 211, 70 and 102% respectively) and the toxic metal Ni (by 42%), and plasma Se concentrations (by 14%). However, no significant effects of food type (organic versus conventional) were detected. Redundancy analysis identified vegetables, coffee, wine and fruit as positive drivers for UE of phenolic markers and mineral micronutrients, and fish consumption as a positive driver for UE of Cd and Pb.

CONCLUSIONS

Although small effects of food type cannot be ruled out, our study suggests that only changing to a MedDiet with higher fruit and vegetable, and lower meat consumption results in a large increase in phenolic and mineral micronutrient intake.

Maternal Consumption of Milk or Dairy Products During Pregnancy and Birth Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis

Purpose

This study aimed to systematically review current evidence and quantitatively evaluate the associations between milk or dairy consumption during pregnancy and birth outcomes.

Methods

This systematic review had been reported in accordance with the guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. A supplementary literature search in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase was conducted on 30 March 2021. Studies that assessed the association of maternal consumption of milk or dairy with birth-related outcomes were identified. The dose-response meta-analyses of continuous data and categorical data were applied. One-stage approach and two-stage approach were used where appropriate.

Results

In total, 42 studies were eligible for the present systematic review, and 18 of them were included in the outcome-specific meta-analyses. The dose-response meta-analysis [Number of studies (N) = 9] predicted a maximum mean change in birthweight of 63.38 g [95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 0.08, 126.67] at 5.00 servings per day. Intake of dairy products had the greatest protective effect on small for gestational age at a maximum of 7.2 servings per day [Relative risk (RR) = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.56, 0.85] (N = 7). The risk of large for gestational age was predicted to be maximum at 7.20 servings per day of dairy consumption, with the RR and 95% CI of 1.30 (1.15, 1.46; N = 4). In addition, the relationship between dairy consumption and low birth weight (RR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.33, 1.50; N = 5) and pre-mature birth (RR = 1.13, 95% CI = 0.87, 1.47; N = 5) was not significant, respectively.

Conclusions

Maternal consumption of dairy during pregnancy has a potential effect on fetal growth. Further well-designed studies are warranted to clarify the specific roles of individual dairy products.

Systematic Review Registration

identifier: PROSPERO 2020 CRD42020150608

Diet and food type affect urinary pesticide residue excretion profiles in healthy individuals: results of a randomized controlled dietary intervention trial

BACKGROUND

Observational studies have linked pesticide exposure to various diseases, whereas organic food consumption has been associated with positive health outcomes. Organic farming standards prohibit the use of most pesticides, and organic food consumption may therefore reduce pesticide exposure.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effects of diet (Western compared with Mediterranean) and food type (conventional compared with organic) and sex on urinary pesticide residue excretion (UPRE), as well as associations between specific diet components and UPRE.

METHODS

In this 2-wk, randomized dietary intervention trial, healthy adults were randomly allocated to an intervention (n = 13) or conventional (n = 14) group. Whereas participants in the intervention group consumed a Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) made entirely from organic foods, the conventional group consumed a MedDiet made entirely from conventional foods. Both groups consumed habitual Western diets made from conventional foods before and after the 2-wk intervention period. The primary outcome was UPRE. In addition, we assessed diet composition and pesticide residue profiles in foods eaten. Participants were aware of group assignment, but the study assessors were not.

RESULTS

During the intervention period, total UPRE was 91% lower with organic (mean 17 μg/d; 95% CI: 15, 19) than with conventional (mean 180 μg/d; 95% CI: 153, 208) food consumption (P < 0.0001). In the conventional group, switching from the habitual Western diet to the MedDiet increased insecticide excretion from 7 to 25 μg/d (P < 0.0001), organophosphate excretion from 5 to 19 μg/d (P < 0.0001), and pyrethroid residue excretion from 2.0 to 4.5 μg/d (P < 0.0001). Small but significant effects of sex were detected for chlormequat, herbicide, and total pesticide residue excretion.

CONCLUSIONS

Changing from a habitual Western diet to a MedDiet was associated with increased insecticide, organophosphate, and pyrethroid exposure, whereas organic food consumption reduced exposure to all groups of synthetic chemical pesticides. This may explain the positive health outcomes linked to organic food consumption in observational studies. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03254537.

The organic diet effect on person perception

The organic halo effect describes how individuals tend to ascribe positive attributes such as low-calorie content to organic food. In this contribution, we extend the organic halo effect to the inferences individuals make about organic food consumers regarding basic personality traits. In a first study (N = 608), we tested whether describing a person as a regular (vs. rare) consumer (man vs. woman) who buys and regularly (vs. rarely) consumes organic food influences inferences of the Big Six personality traits and other characteristics. Results showed that a person depicted as a regular consumer of organic food is perceived as more honest, more agreeable, more conscientious, and more open. A second study (N = 214) with a similar procedure tested whether the effects from the previous study were due to the frequency information by manipulating the type of food (organic vs. conventional) and the high-frequency information (present vs. absent). We also included a measure of the Dark Triads traits to see whether this effect only applies to positive traits. Results generally confirmed the previous pattern. However, organic consumers were also judged as more narcissistic. Merging the two studies, we also showed that the organic halo effect was stronger for participants who frequently consume organic food. We discuss results in light of the large effect sizes and the evidence suggesting that while positive valence plays a role, it cannot explain the trait inferences' extent and specificity.

Dietary Behavior of Drosophila melanogaster Fed with Genetically-Modified Corn or Roundup®

With the rise in concern about GMOs and pesticides on human health, we have utilized Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism for understanding the effects of Roundup-Ready^® GMO diets on health. We recorded dietary behavior during and after exposure to a medium containing GMO or non-GMO corn, Roundup^® in organic corn medium, and sucrose with or without one of the two Roundup^® formulations. No differences in behavior were observed when Drosophila were exposed to a medium containing Roundup-Ready^® GMO or non-GMO corn. Drosophila can detect and refrain from eating sucrose containing one Roundup^® formulation, Ready-to-Use, which contains pelargonic acid in addition to glyphosate as an active ingredient. Drosophila exhibited dose-dependent increased consumption of sucrose alone after exposure to a medium containing either Roundup^® formulation. This may indicate that flies eating a medium with Roundup^® eat less and were thus hungrier when then given sucrose solution; that a medium with Roundup^® is more difficult to digest; or that a medium with Roundup^® is less nutritious, as would be the case if nutritionally important microbes grew on control medium, but not one containing Roundup^®.

Investigating the Effects of Intrinsic Motivation and Emotional Appeals Into the Link Between Organic Appeals Advertisement and Purchase Intention Toward Organic Milk

Consumers care about healthy food. Thus, several firms use organic appeals advertising to change consumer attitudes and persuade them to purchase organic food. Organic appeals advertisement often presents content that provides information and knowledge about organic elements of a food product (e.g., health, safety, a lack of chemicals, and rich nutrition). In contrast, non-organic appeals advertisement does not present information about organic elements of a food product. This study aims to clarify the effect of organic appeals advertisement on consumer motivations and behavior. It uses the stimuli-organism-response model and self-determination motivation theory to investigate the relationship between organic appeals advertisement and purchase intention toward organic milk considering the mediating role of intrinsic motivation and the moderating role of emotional appeals. Two experimental designs are used to test the hypotheses. Results show that consumers receiving organic appeals advertisement have a higher intention to purchase organic milk than those receiving non-organic appeals advertisement. Furthermore, intrinsic motivation is found to have a mediating role in the link between organic appeals advertisement and purchase intention. In other words, when consumers receive advertisements of an organic milk product, they have higher intrinsic motivation and hold higher intention to purchase organic milk products. Furthermore, emotional appeals have a moderating effect on the relationship between organic appeals advertisement and intrinsic motivation. The influence of organic appeals advertisement on intrinsic motivation is stronger when emotional appeals are positive and weaker when emotional appeals are negative.

Fatty Acids and Nutraceutical Properties of Lipids in Fallow Deer (Dama dama) Meat Produced in Organic and Conventional Farming Systems

The aim of the study was to assess the fatty acid profile and nutraceutical properties of lipids contained in fallow deer (Dama dama) meat produced in organic and conventional farming systems. Longissimus lumborum (LL) and semimembranosus (SM) muscles from 24 fallow deer carcasses were selected for the study. The fallow deer meat from the organic farming system was characterized by significantly lower intramuscular fat content. The fatty acid profile in the organic meat was characterized by a particularly high proportion (p < 0.0001) of conjugated linoleic acid-CLA (LL-2.29%, SM-2.14%), alpha-linolenic acid-ALA (LL-4.32%, SM-3.87%), and docosahexaenoic acid-DHA (LL-2.83%, SM-2.60%). The organic system had a beneficial effect (p < 0.0001) on the amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including n-3 PUFAs, which resulted in a more favorable n-6 PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acid)/n-3 PUFA ratio. The significantly higher nutritional quality of organic meat lipids was confirmed by such nutraceutical indicators as the thrombogenic index (TI), ∆9-desaturase C16, elongase, and docosahexaenoic acid+eicosapentaenoic acid (DHA+EPA) in the LL and SM and cholesterol index (CI), and the cholesterol-saturated fat index (CSI) indices in the SM. LL was characterized by higher overall quality.

Effect of wheat species (Triticum aestivum vs T. spelta), farming system (organic vs conventional) and flour type (wholegrain vs white) on composition of wheat flour - Results of a retail survey in the UK and Germany - 3. Pesticide residue content

Wheat is a major component of the Northern European diet and contributes significantly to dietary pesticide exposure. Here we report results of a 2-year retail survey, which compared pesticide residues in organic and conventional, whole-grain and white, common and Spelt wheat flour brands available in the UK and Germany. Pesticide residues were detected significantly more frequently in conventional (87%) than organic (25%) flour samples. Chlormequat, a plant growth regulator, was the most frequently detected compound. Total concentrations of pesticide residues were (a) ~4 times higher in conventional than organic, (b) ~100% higher in common than Spelt wheat flour and (c) ~110% higher in conventional whole-grain than white flour samples, but (d) not significantly different in organic whole-grain and white flour. Results suggest that the use of organic wheat products allows increased whole-grain cereal consumption in line with nutritional recommendations, without an increase in dietary pesticide intake.

The Profile of Selected Antioxidants in Two Courgette Varieties from Organic and Conventional Production

Courgette is considered as a low-calorie vegetable with health-promoting properties. However, scientific publications focused on the profile and content of bioactive compounds in courgette, as well as the potential fruit quality modulating factors, are rare. Due to the high adaptability of courgette to weather and agronomic conditions, it is produced on a global scale. The aim of this study was to analyse the impact of organic versus conventional agronomic practices on the concentration of selected antioxidants in courgette fruits. Fruits of two courgette varieties (Astra Polka and Nimba) produced in an organic and conventional system were tested by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to determine the content of polyphenols (flavonoids and phenolic acids), carotenoids, chlorophylls, and vitamin C. Organic courgette fruits were characterised by their significantly higher content of phenolic acids and flavonoids when compared to the conventionally grown fruit. The organic cultivation might be a good method to increase concentration of bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties in courgette fruits. Nevertheless, the identified trends should be further confirmed, with attention paid to other courgette varieties, as well as to the potential interactions between the plant genotype, agronomic system and the location-specific growing conditions.

Effect of wheat species (Triticum aestivum vs T. spelta), farming system (organic vs conventional) and flour type (wholegrain vs white) on composition of wheat flour - Results of a retail survey in the UK and Germany - 2. Antioxidant activity, and phenolic and mineral content

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Whole-grain flours had 2–5 times higher antioxidant and mineral levels than white flour.

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Organic flour had higher antioxidant and mineral levels than conventional flour.

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Organic flour had a higher Al and Ni content than conventional flour.

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Spelt wheat had higher antioxidant and mineral levels than common wheat flour.

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Spelt wheat had a 28% higher Cd content than conventional flour.

There is strong evidence for health benefits from whole-grain wheat consumption and these have been linked to their higher fibre, antioxidant/(poly)phenolic and mineral contents. However, there is still scientific controversy about the relative effect of wheat species (Triticum aestivum vs T. spelta) and production methods (conventional vs organic) on the nutritional composition of wheat. The retail survey reported here showed that, the use of spelt varieties and organic production results in significantly higher (between 10 and 64%) levels of phenolics and some minerals in wheat flour. However, the relative effect of removing the outer bran and germ during milling was substantially larger; levels of antioxidant activity, and many phenolic compounds and mineral nutrients were 2–5 times higher in whole-grain than white flour. Organic flour contained higher concentrations of the undesirable metals Al and Ni (12% and 81% respectively), and spelt flour had 28% higher concentrations of the toxic metal Cd.

Qualidade dos alimentos segundo o sistema de produção e sua relação com a segurança alimentar e nutricional: revisão sistemática

Resumo A garantia da segurança alimentar e nutricional (SAN) por meio da oferta de alimentos de qualidade é essencial para o desenvolvimento humano e fator de proteção para melhores condições de saúde da população. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a qualidade dos alimentos, segundo o sistema de produção, e sua relação com a SAN. Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática da literatura baseada no método Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (Prisma), cujo levantamento de dados totalizou 389 estudos, sendo 14 incluídos. Os estudos comparativos entre alimentos produzidos em sistemas convencionais e alternativos de base ecológica mostraram efeitos benéficos destes últimos à saúde, uma vez que possuem qualidade nutricional superior e são mais seguros para o consumo. Em relação ao impacto ambiental, tais alimentos favorecem a produção sustentável. Ao contrário, o modelo de produção convencional mostrou limitações, como a contaminação mundial da cadeia alimentar por resíduos de agrotóxicos e fertilizantes sintéticos que podem causar danos à saúde e ao meio ambiente, levando à insegurança alimentar e nutricional. Informações que contribuam para o fortalecimento dos sistemas agroalimentares sustentáveis são ferramentas essenciais para criação de políticas públicas que atuem como estratégia intersetorial de promoção da saúde e de segurança alimentar e nutricional.

A Systematic Review of Organic Versus Conventional Food Consumption: Is There a Measurable Benefit on Human Health?

The current review aims to systematically assess the evidence related to human health outcomes when an organic diet is consumed in comparison to its conventional counterpart. Relevant databases were searched for articles published to January 2019. Clinical trials and observational research studies were included where they provided comparative results on direct or indirect health outcomes. Thirty-five papers met the criteria for inclusion in the review. Few clinical trials assessed direct improvements in health outcomes associated with organic food consumption; most assessed either differences in pesticide exposure or other indirect measures. Significant positive outcomes were seen in longitudinal studies where increased organic intake was associated with reduced incidence of infertility, birth defects, allergic sensitisation, otitis media, pre-eclampsia, metabolic syndrome, high BMI, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The current evidence base does not allow a definitive statement on the health benefits of organic dietary intake. However, a growing number of important findings are being reported from observational research linking demonstrable health benefits with organic food consumption. Future clinical research should focus on using long-term whole-diet substitution with certified organic interventions as this approach is more likely to determine whether or not true measurable health benefits exist.

Using Physiologic, Genetic, and Epigenetic Information to Provide Care to Clients Who Are Obese

The pathology of obesity is a complex process involving interactions among behavioral, environmental, immunologic, genetic, and epigenetic factors. This article gives a broad overview of obesity. The physiology of fat storage, influence of eating behaviors on obesity, and the genetic relationship between eating and food sources are discussed. Specific genes that have been associated with obesity are introduced, with information on leptin and genes such as FTO, GLUT4, and others. This synopsis of obesity expands into environmental influences and epigenetic factors. These include food selection, gut microbiota, pregnancy, and exercise. The nurse will gain specific knowledge to assist in tailoring therapies specific to clients who are working to overcome the long-term effects of this disorder.

Behavior-Based Pricing of Organic and Conventional Agricultural Products Based on Green Subsidies

This study considers two types of consumers: those without preference difference, and those that prefer organic agricultural products. It constructs two two-stage hoteling behavior-based pricing models and solves for the optimal loyalty price and poaching price of the two types of enterprises. It analyzes the influence of subsidies on the pricing of the two types of products and corporate profits. The study also undertakes numerical simulation for further analysis, finding that green subsidies are negatively correlated with the loyalty price and poaching price of organic agricultural products, but that they will not affect the difference between the two types of prices. When the inherited market of organic agricultural products is dominant, the size of green subsidy affects the relationship between the prices of the two types of products. However, when organic agricultural products do not dominate the initial market, green subsidies do not affect the size of the relationship between the two prices of the two types of products. When the initial market position of organic agricultural products is different, the types of competing customers are different between the two types of enterprises, and the intensity of competition will increase with the increase of subsidies. Green subsidies increase the profits of organic agricultural enterprises and reduce the profits of conventional agricultural enterprises.

Lead and cadmium contamination in a large sample of United States infant formulas and baby foods

Data is limited on lead and cadmium contamination in baby food, a population uniquely susceptible to the toxic effects of heavy metals. The goal of this study was to examine lead and cadmium concentrations in a large convenience sample of US baby foods. We identified the number of baby food product samples that exceeded US FDA and California Proposition 65 limits for daily lead consumption across a range of servings/calories, and the number of samples that exceeded World Health Organization and California Proposition 65 limits for daily cadmium consumption across a range of servings/calories. In total, 564 baby foods were tested across infant and toddler formula, cereals, meals, juices/drinks, jars, pouches, snacks, and electrolyte water. ICP-MS analysis of lead and cadmium was completed using a modified version of EPA method 6020A. Samples were analyzed using kinetic energy distribution mode. Lead was detected in 37% of samples (median = non-detect, 75% = 5.6, maximum = 183.6 μg/kg), and cadmium in 57% (25% = non-detect, median = 2.8, 75% = 9.5, maximum = 103.90 μg/kg). Of 91 infant formula samples, none exceeded FDA lead consumption guidelines in 31 oz, but 22% exceeded the Proposition 65 lead guidelines, 23% exceeded the Proposition 65 cadmium guidelines, and 14% exceeded the WHO tolerable cadmium intake levels for a four-month-old baby. In the solid baby food samples, 1% exceeded FDA lead guidelines in two servings (26% exceeded CA Proposition 65 limits), 3% in 300 cal (34% exceeded CA Proposition 65 limits). For cadmium, 6% exceeded Proposition 65 guidelines in two servings, 8% in 300 cal. There was no association between whether the product was certified organic and its heavy metal concentration. Products containing rice were higher in both lead and cadmium concentrations. Further research is needed to understand the long-term health effects of this chronic daily low level heavy metal exposure in babies.

RESEARCH OF CONSUMER PROPERTIES OF DEVELOPED BISCUITS BASED ON ORGANIC RAW MATERIALS

The article discusses the recipes of new biscuits based on organic raw materials, as well as the results of the study of their quality and safety indicators. The aim of this research is studying the consumer properties of biscuits, developed on the basis of organic raw materials, which will expand the range of organic confectionery products. The main difference between the developed biscuit recipes is that instead of wheat flour buckwheat flour, spelled flour and hemp flour were used, and coconut and maple sugar were used as sweeteners. To determine the organoleptic characteristics, a 25-point scale was developed, which includes indicators: taste, smell, appearance, crust state, crumb color. On the basis of the carried out organoleptic assessment, it has been established that the developed biscuits have a pleasant taste and good aroma and are highly appreciated by the tasting commission. Physico-chemical characteristics and safety performance of the developed products were within the normal range. Thanks to the use of non-traditional raw materials, the energy value of biscuits was reduced. On the basis of the obtained data, the expediency of expanding the range of organic confectionery products with new types of biscuits is substantiated.

Organic food and the impact on human health

In the last decade, the production and consumption of organic food have increased steadily worldwide, despite the lower productivity of organic crops. Indeed, the population attributes healthier properties to organic food. Although scientific evidence is still scarce, organic agriculture seems to contribute to maintaining an optimal health status and decreases the risk of developing chronic diseases. This may be due to the higher content of bioactive compounds and lower content of unhealthy substances such as cadmium and synthetic fertilizers and pesticides in organic foods of plant origin compared to conventional agricultural products. Thus, large long-term intervention studies are needed to determine whether an organic diet is healthier than a diet including conventionally grown food products. This review provides an update of the present knowledge of the impact of an organic versus a conventional food diet on health.

Organic vs. Conventional Milk: Some Considerations on Fat-Soluble Vitamins and Iodine Content

The organic food market is considerably expanding all over the world, and the related dairy market represents its third most important sector. The reason lies in the fact that consumers tend to associate organic dairy products with positive perceptions: organic milk is eco- and animal-friendly, is not produced with antibiotics or hormones, and according to general opinion, provides additional nutrients and beneficial properties. These factors justify its higher cost. These are the reasons that explain extensive research into the comparison of the differences in the amount of chemical compounds between organic and conventional milk. However, it is not simple to ascertain the potential advantage of organic food from the nutritional point of view, because this aspect should be determined within the context of the total diet. Thus, considering all the factors described above, the purpose of this work is to compare the amount of selected nutrients (i.e., iodine and the fat-soluble vitamins such as alfa-tocopherol and beta-carotene) in organic and conventional milk, expressed as the percentage of recommended daily intakes in one serving. In detail, in order to establish the real share of these biologically active compounds to the total diet, their percent contribution was calculated using the Dietary Reference Values for adults (both men and women) adopted by the European Food Safety Authority. According to these preliminary considerations, the higher cost of organic milk can mainly be explained by the high costs of the management of specific farms and no remarkable or substantial benefits in human health can be ascribed to the consumption of organic milk. In this respect, this paper wants to make a small contribution to the estimation of the potential value and nutritional health benefits of organic food, even though further studies are needed.