Synonyms/Common Names/Related Substances:

• Agro-toxins, antibiotics, biodynamic, bioengineered, community supported agriculture, CSA, food additives, food coloring, food labeling, free-range, genetically modified food, genetically modified organism, GMO, grass-fed, green labels, growth hormones, herbicides, holistic medicine, hormone-free, ionizing radiation, irradiation, living and raw food diet, living food diet, macrobiotic diet, Max Gerson, National Organic Program, natural food, NOP, nutrition, OFPA, organic, organic farming, Organic Foods Production Act, organophosphates, pesticides, raw food diet, rBGH, recombinant bovine growth hormone, sewage sludge fertilizers, sustainable agriculture, sustainable farming, United States Department of Agriculture, USDA, USDA Organic, USDA organic label, USDA organic seal, vegan diet, veganism, vegetarian diet, vegetarianism, whole foods.
• Organic company examples: Annie's Naturals®, Archer Daniels Midland®, Cascadian Farm®, Dagoba® Organic Chocolates, Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap®, Earthbound Farm®, Eden Foods®, Frontier® Natural Products, Horizon Organic®, Newman's Own® Organics, Spectrum® Organic, Stonyfield Farms®, Sun Dog's Magic®, Whole Foods Market®, Wild Oats® Marketplace.
• Note: This monograph focuses on the differences between ingesting organic and non-organic foods and the United States requirements for organic certification.

Clinical Bottom Line/Effectiveness

Brief Background:

• In the United States, a product is considered "organic" if the food, the farm, handlers, and processors of that food all meet specific criteria from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). These criteria include that livestock receive no antibiotics or growth hormones and that produce is grown without most conventional pesticides, or synthetic or sewage sludge-based fertilizers. Genetically modified (GMO) or bioengineered animals and crops are not allowed, nor is ionizing radiation.
• Many people consume organic food versus non-organic food based on the beliefs that the food is more nutritious, contains fewer toxins from additives and pesticides, is more humane for livestock, is tastier, or is more ecologically conscious.
• The USDA does not claim that organically produced food is safer or more nutritious than conventionally produced food. The label "USDA Organic" only refers to the way food is grown, handled, and processed.
• Available high quality studies indicating increased overall health for consumers of organic foods are currently lacking. Although organic food may contain lower levels of pesticide residues, they may contain a risk of bacterial contamination like conventional food. However, high quality studies indicating safety concerns with consuming an organic diet are currently lacking.

Dosing/Toxicology

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Precautions/Contraindications

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Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

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Mechanism of Action

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History

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Evidence Table

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Evidence Discussion

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Products Studied

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Author Information

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References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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