What is GMO - can be found in the free encyclopedia, which says that it is a genetically modified organism. History takes us to the 80s of the last century, when a genetically modified E. coli was bred . A little later, in 1978, human insulin with transgenic properties was obtained. Genetic modifications are not only animals, plants, food, but also drugs. Material taken from one organism is embedded in the genome of another; in this way, a new organism with the desired properties is obtained.
Genetically modified plants become resistant to pests, frosts or prolonged drought, the use of GMOs in agriculture can increase crop yields, and therefore, reduce the cost of production. Proponents of the use of GMOs believe that currently it is not possible to feed humanity without the methods of genetic engineering .
GMOs: the pros and cons
The very idea of creating plants that are resistant to pests and herbicides is not bad. What is GMO on our shelves? These are corn, soy, potatoes, beets, wheat, rice, tomatoes, onions and carrots, which can contain transgenes. Whether you eat semi-finished meat products (sausages, sausage) or eat cookies, bread, yogurt, chocolate, you can’t say with great certainty that they do not contain GMOs. 90 percent of the soy and corn grown on earth are plants with genetically modified material. Soya is used in many processed meat products, chocolate bars, inexpensive infant formula, and confectionery.
GMO food producers claim that the permissible number of altered genes in foods is negligible - less than one percent, and this does not affect the human body. Supporters put forward the following arguments in favor of GMOs: without supplementation, hunger will come on the earth, as the population is growing steadily, and there is not enough land to feed humanity.
Opponents of GMOs say that this small amount may be enough for the development of allergic reactions, thyroid diseases, and oncological pathology. An example is an experiment on rats that, after eating soybean meal, began to lag behind in development, their number of offspring decreased, and young animals lost the ability to bear children. Talking about the harmless effects of GMOs, scientists say, is too early. A minimum of 40-50 years must pass in order to obtain final conclusions. In addition, the addition of GMOs can lead to unpredictable mutations in the human body.
GMOs in baby food
Unfortunately, children are not insured against the use of products with GMOs. Their body is considered the most sensitive to various additives. What is GMO in baby food? This is the possibility of developing further allergic reactions, disorders in the immune system, digestive problems, and neurological disorders. To protect a child from GMOs today is quite difficult, because such products as infant formula, baby cereals, baby canned food and cookies contain transgens. Studies show that the use of modified organisms in food increases the chance of developing thyroid disease by 3 times! Genetically modified plants become resistant to antibiotics, and this affects the body of babies. If a child becomes ill with an infectious disease, his body after using such additives may become insensitive to the action of antibacterial drugs.
Previously, there was a ban on the use of GMOs in baby food, today this ban has been lifted under the influence of food manufacturers. To protect your child from harmful additives, try to buy products with the inscription “No GMOs” on the jar. Find private (and honest!) Food producers you trust, and buy only proven products for your child.
If you read all the material, you have an idea what GMOs are and why such additives are dangerous for humans. You can protect yourself and your loved ones from GMOs if you buy organic products.