Genetic Modification of Organisms for Human Consumption Part 1

Some topics in nutrition remind me of politics because the spin, distortion and exaggeration make it difficult to determine the facts. I do not care what the truth is as long as I know it. Genetically modified organisms (GMO) is one of those subjects that ignites emotions in a manner that I believe is out-of-proportion for the issue.

In a recent lecture, I answered an off-topic question about how I felt about GMO foods. I stated that plant domestication was advancement for man in the same league as controlling fire was. And domestication was genetic modification. And depending on the plant, seed selection, grafts, cuttings, fermentation were just a few of the numerous types of artificial manipulation humans did to increase desirable traits and/or reduce undesirable traits. Hybrids that would not occur naturally were developed for more uniform and predictable yields. Sometimes a genetic mutation (such as a navel orange) with defects Mother Nature would never allow to develop was embraced and farmed. Early plant modification was not specific compared to what is done today, but it was much more precise than what would have occurred naturally. In fact, for hundreds of years the main crops that feed mankind have became more and more unnatural. Livestock has undergone the same process. We’ve all learned what has happened to the omega 3 fats in beef because preferred a more tender product. By the time GMO crops began to appear in the 1990’s, most of the plants and animals we consume were already so modified they could never survive without a lot of assistance. When our ancestors made something bigger or sweeter or more uniform, those desired characteristics were accompanied by other changes -- some positive, some negative and some (probably many) unrecognized. To achieve those changes hundreds if not thousands of genes were altered. The result was better looking and/or better tasting produce and livestock that were often more susceptible to a number of problems the species never had before man began to alter it. This does not mean that what is done today – injecting DNA into a cell culture or using a bacteria that serves as a carrier to deliver DNA -- is risk free, but understanding what had been done in the past makes it easier to evaluate what (and in some cases why) genetic modification has continued.

CONTEXT
One of the biggest problems with the GMO debate is context. The DC who asked me about GMO was not happy with my answer and used the example of GMO corn to my reply: “There is a can of soda and a bag of cookies on your desk, and you’re worried about corn?” Even more disturbing is the destruction of GMO produce because of safety concerns. In May 2013 GMO grapes were destroyed in France. Sugar beets in Oregon were destroyed in June 2013 GMO corn has been destroyed in Spain and Hungary. In August 2013 when GMO rice crops in the Philippines were destroyed because the rice was potentially unsafe. Let’s assume it is unsafe (even though in that case the rice had been altered to contain higher levels of beta carotene to reduce the nations large vitamin A deficiency) how’s this for a ridiculous question: Would you feed it to people who would otherwise die of starvation in 10 days knowing their risk death would increase in 10 years? Or this: “Are the GMO grape, rice, corn and sugar beet examples above more dangerous than the tobacco that is also grown in each of the 5 nations mentioned?

In part 2 we will address specific GMO pros, cons, risks, myths, facts and how a defeat at the ballot box has turned out to be a win for those concerned about GMO — including myself.

916 E. Imperial Hwy.
Brea, CA. 92821
(714) 990-0824
Fax: (714) 990-1917
gdandersen@earthlink.net
www.andersenchiro.com

Copyright 2013, G. Douglas Andersen, DC, DACBSP, CCN, 916 E. Imperial Hwy, Brea, CA 92821, (714) 990-0824
Home/Contact | Bio | Articles | Favorite Supplement List | Nutrition Services | Nutrition Tables
How to Choose A Chiropractor | Speaking Engagements | Nutrition Book List | Photos