title: Organic foods for children: health or hype.
abstract: Organic foods are promoted as superior and safer options for today's health-conscious consumer. Manufacturers of organic food claim it to be pesticide-free and better in terms of micronutrients. Consumers have to pay heavily for these products--and they are willing to--provided they are assured of the claimed advantages. Scientific data proving the health benefits of organic foods, especially in children, are lacking. Indian Government has developed strict guidelines and certification procedures to keep a check on manufacturers in this financially attractive market. American Academy of Pediatrics, in its recently issued guidelines, did not recommend organic foods over conventional food for children. Indian Academy of Pediatrics has not opined on this issue till date. In this perspective, we present a critical review of production and marketing of organic foods, and scientific evidence pertaining to their merits and demerits, with special reference to pediatric population.
authors: Department of Pediatrics, University College of Medical Sciences and Guru Tegh Bahadur Hospital, Dilshad Garden, Delhi, India. Correspondence to: Piyush Gupta, Professor in Pediatrics, Block R-6 A, Dilshad Garden, Delhi 110 095, India. prof.piyush.gupta@gmail.com.
authors: Prerna
authors: P
authors: Batra
authors: Nisha
authors: N
authors: Sharma
authors: Piyush
authors: P
authors: Gupta
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002669:Child Welfare; D059022:Food Safety; D058870:Food, Organic; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D010372:Pediatrics; D010575:Pesticides
chemical_list: D010575:Pesticides