American Academy of Pediatrics Weighs in for First Time On Organic Foods for Children

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121022145334.htm

ScienceDaily (Oct. 22, 2012) — Parents know it's important for children to eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy products, and whole grains. But it's less clear whether spending the extra money on organic foods will bring a significant benefit to their children's health.

To offer guidance to parents -- and the pediatricians caring for their children's health -- the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has conducted an extensive analysis of scientific evidence surrounding organic produce, dairy products and meat. The conclusion is mixed: While organic foods have the same vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, proteins, lipids and other nutrients as conventional foods, they also have lower pesticide levels, which may be significant for children. Organically raised animals are also less likely to be contaminated with drug-resistant bacteria because organic farming rules prohibit the non-therapeutic use of antibiotics.

However, in the long term, there is currently no direct evidence that consuming an organic diet leads to improved health or lower risk of disease. No large studies in humans have been performed that specifically address this issue.

"What's most important is that children eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat or fat-free dairy products, whether those are conventional or organic foods. This type of diet has proven health benefits," said Janet Silverstein, MD, FAAP, a member of the AAP Committee on Nutrition and one of the lead authors of the report. "Many families have a limited food budget, and we do not want families to choose to consume smaller amounts of more expensive organic foods and thus reduce their overall intake of healthy foods like produce."

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I notice that this report was slanted by at least some of the news media, for the benefit of their advertisers:

Example:

http://vitals.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/10/22/14563149-organic-food-no-better-than-conventional-for-kids-pediatricians-say?lite

Entitled: "Organic food no better than conventional for kids, pediatricians say"