How Are GMOs Becoming More Harmful?
Bailey Warren
What is it?
A genetically modified organism (GMO) is the result of a laboratory process where genes from the DNA of one species are extracted and artificially forced into the genes of an unrelated plant or animal. The foreign genes may come from bacteria, viruses, insects, animals, or even humans (GMO Ed. - Institute for Responsible Tech.).
Are GMOs harming us currently, why and how?
Most likely, but slowly. The types of potential hazards posed by GMOs vary according to the type of organism being modified and its intended application. Yet the only types of products that have been approved for human consumption in the United States are GMOs. There are several types of potential health effects that could result from the insertion of a novel gene into an organism. One of those is antibiotic resistance, in recent years health professionals have become alarmed by the increasing number of bacterial strains that are showing resistance to antibiotics (GMO Harmful Effects). There is concern that bacteria living in the guts of humans and animals could pick up an antibiotic resistance gene from a GM plant before the DNA becomes completely digested (GMO Harmful Effects). Increased toxicity is another health effect concern, there is concern that inserting an exotic gene into a plant could cause it to produce toxins at higher levels that could be dangerous to humans (GMO Harmful Effects). A third health effect concern is food allergies, if the novel protein in a GM food comes from a source that is known to cause allergies in humans or a source that has never been consumed as human food, he concern that the protein could elicit an immune response in humans increases (GMO Harmful Effects). Also, decreased nutritional value is a health effect concern. Theoretically, a genetically modified plant could have lower nutritional quality than its normal counterpart. Inserting a gene could cause a plant to produce higher levels of phytate. Phytate is a compound that is common in seeds and grains.
Genetically engineered corn seed coated in chemical pesticices (L) and conventional corn seed (R).
Are GMOs safe right now?
Above is the percentage of how much of each ingredient is genetically modified.
Are GMOs supposed to be "better" than organic foods?
Modified vs. Organic
What are the negative effects of eating GMOs?
Genetically modified foods are particularly dangerous for pregnant moms and children. Testing was done on rats and mice to show evidence:
After GM soy was fed to female rats most of their babies died.
GM-fed babies were significantly smaller and even sometimes infertile.
Tesiticles of rats fed GM soy changed from the normal pink to dark blue.
Mice fed GM soy had altered young sperm.
Embryos of GM soy-fed parent mice has changed DNA.
Mice fed Gm corn has fewer and less babies.
(Doctors Warn: Avoid Genetically Modified Food)
The possible worst finding is that GMOs remain inside of you. Even after you stop eating GMOs, harmful GM proteins may be produced continuously inside of you. Genes inserted into GM soy transfer bacteria inside your intestines and continue to function (Doctors Warn: Avoid Genetically Modified Food). A lawsuit’s released documents showed that scientists at the FDA warned that GM foods might create allergies, poisons, new diseases, and nutritional problems. GM soy and corn contain new proteins with allergenic properties. GM soy has up to seven times more of a known soy allergen (Doctors Warn: Avoid Genetically Modified Food). GM corn and cotton are engineered to produce a built-in pesticide called a Bt-toxin. Bt-toxins (Bacillus thuringiensis) are a soil-dwelling bacterium commonly used as a biological pesticide. Organic farmers and others use natural Bt spray for insect control, so biotech companies claim that Bt-toxin must be safe (Doctors Warn: Avoid Genetically Modified Food).