Organic Crops May Be HealthierOrganic Crops May Be Healthier

Organic Crops May Be Healthier

WASHINGTON--Organic crops may contain more vitamins and fewer nitrates than conventional crops, according to a research review by Virginia Worthington, Ph.D. (J Alt Comp Med, 7:161-73, 2001). The compilation of data from 41 published studies suggested that the average amount of four specific nutrients occur in higher concentrations in organic produce: vitamin C (27 percent), iron (21.1 percent), magnesium (29.3 percent) and phosphorus (13.6 percent). In addition, Worthington's results indicated that organic crops have an average of 15.1-percent fewer nitrates than conventional crops.

"Over time, with an organic diet, you would take in more nutrients," Worthington said. However, she added that no human or animal trials have been conducted to support this hypothesis. Worthington stated that this information cannot be used in the form of a claim until the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves it.

This review was presented at the Organic Trade Association (OTA) press conference at Natural Products Expo East in October. Katherine DiMatteo, OTA director, concurred with the data, stating that if a manufacturer has evidence, this can be a truthful claim. However, she does not see the organic industry making a specific claim regarding organic produce until there is further evidence and FDA becomes involved.

During the OTA press conference, DiMatteo also presented information suggesting the organic industry is growing and is expected to continue its growth. The 2001 OTA Manufacturers' Market Survey noted annual growth between 20 percent and 25 percent in the industry, with growth in the past year exceeding 38 percent. Projected sales were fielded from March through September 2001.

Respondents reported overall sales growth for the year at 38 percent, exceeding the previous year's reported growth of 36 percent. The highest category of growth was seen in the soyfood and meat/dairy alternatives category, which was reported at 215 percent growth. The lowest category for growth, reported at 10 percent, was seen in the baking mixes/sweeteners category. Other reported growth included beverages,15 percent; dairy, 40 percent; frozen foods, 20 percent; meat/poultry/eggs, 64 percent; and miscellaneous canned/jarred products, 51 percent. Estimated sales growth for next year was reported, with the participants stating that the soyfoods (94 percent), meat/poultry/eggs (59 percent) and fiber (53 percent) categories will show major growth. Additional growth is expected in frozen foods (20 percent), dairy (41 percent) and beverages (20 percent).

Worthington's study is available online(www.foodisyourbestmedicine.com/organic.pdf), and OTA can be contacted atwww.ota.org.