Introduction
Although GMO foods are suggested to be safe and sustainable by some research and organizations, some people claim they may harm your health and the environment.
People are concerned about potential side effects and long-term health consequences of eating GMO soy foods.
This review gives an idea of what GMOs are, also helps provide uses, importance, safety measures, and concerns, and gives guidance on how to identify, and avoid GMO foods.
What are GMOs?
According to the World Health OrganizationTrusted Source (WHO), genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are “organisms (i.e. plants, animals or microorganisms) in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination.” This DNA modification is done by using genetic engineering technology.
The first type of genetic modification occurred through artificial selection and selective breeding. Other foods, such as corn, bananas, broccoli and apples, have all been genetically modified through selective breeding so that humans can eat them. (1)
In the food industry, GMO crops have had genes added to them for various reasons, such as improving their growth, nutritional content, sustainability, pest resistance, and ease of farming. (2)
GMO crops are very common in the United States, with at least 90% of soy, cotton, and corn being grown through genetic engineering technology. (3)
Summary
Genetically modified food is a growing sector of agriculture. GMO crops make farming much easier. The first type of genetic modification occurred through artificial selection and selective breeding. GMO foods such as 90% of soy, cotton, and corn grown in the United States are deemed safe for human consumption.
Difference between GMO & non GMO soybeans
GMO soybeans are soybeans that have undergone genetic engineering for a specific purpose. Non-GMO soybeans are soybeans that do not have genetic engineering and still have natural properties.
Uses of GMO soybeans
GMO soy is part of a broader necessity for access to more productive food crops to feed an ever-increasing world population. Genetically modified food provides a way to help ensure that there is enough food production to meet these demands. GMO soybeans help improve the yields of crops.
Most GMO soy is used for food for animals, primarily for poultry and livestock, and making soybean oil. It is also used as ingredients (lecithin, emulsifiers, and proteins) in processed foods.(3) Both GMO soy and traditionally grown soy go through the same heat processing. (1)
In 2014, according to the USDA Economic Research Service farmers used 94% of soybean farmland in the U.S. to grow genetically engineered soybeans. (1)
Importance of GMO soybeans
GMO soy may offer several advantages to the grower and consumer. Many GMO soy have been genetically modified to express a gene that protects them from pests and insects. (4)
The Bt gene which comes from a naturally occurring bacteria known as Bacillus thuringiensis, is commonly genetically engineered into crops like soybeans, etc. A protein produced by this gene is toxic to several pests and insects, which gives the GMO plants a natural resistance. (5) In fact, a 2020 study clears that GMO engineered technology has reduced the use of global chemical pesticide by 8.3% and indirectly reduced greenhouse gas emissions because farmers don’t need to spray their fields as often. (6)
GMO soybeans can be bred to increase the nutrient profile specifically. Some genetically modified food is produced to increase healthy attributes such as vitamins, unsaturated fatty acids and probiotics.
Summary
GMO soybeans are easier to grow and contain less cost for farmers, which makes them cheaper for the consumer. Additionally, genetic modification can increase the nutritional value of foods.
Safety measures
As per FDA, any genetically modified food has to take the same safety standards like traditionally grown plants. The nutritional content of genetically modified food is also taken into account. These nutritional content includes the macronutrient profile of protein, carbohydrates and fats, also the micronutrients such as vitamins, and minerals which are compared with traditionally grown food. (1)
Evaluating the safety of each GMO food, including GMO soybeans, is done through a multi-step process to ensure that the food is not toxic or allergenic.(1) In one review, researchers suggest that eating GMOs could lead to illness that are resistant to antibiotics. Its authors also questioned the long term safety of GMOs, as they are a relatively recent development. (7)
In the November 2018 study issue of the journal Food and chemical Toxicology found that GMO soybeans are as safe and nutritious as traditionally grown varieties.(8) No adverse effects were observed over the 90 days of study on rats who fed GMO soybean.
Summary
Though there are many concerns about the health impacts and environmental safety of genetically modified crops. The WHO also state that “GM foods currently available on the international market have passed safety assessments and are not likely to present risks for human health.” (9) But more research needs to take place on the real health impact of genetically modified crops.
Concerns
Although current research suggests that GMO foods are safe, people are concerned about potential side effects and long-term health consequences of eating GMO soy foods. (10) There is some concern that GMO soy may trigger an allergic reaction.
A study in The New England journal of medicine from the mid-1990s on the nutritional quality of soybeans was observed, it was studied that, soybeans is compromised by deficiency of methionine in the protein fraction of the seeds. Inorder to improve the nutritional quality of soybeans, methionine-rich 2S albumin from the Brazil nut (Betholletia excelsa) has been transferred into transgenic soybeans by genetic engineering. As the Brazil nut is a known allergenic food, the study assessed the allergenicity of the 2S albumin.
It was resulted in the study that adding a protein from Brazil nuts to GMO soybeans could trigger an allergic reaction in people sensitive to Brazil nuts. However, after scientists discovered this, they quickly abandoned this GMO food. (11) Although allergy concerns are valid, there have been no reports of allergic reactions to GMO foods currently on the market.
According to the FDA, researchers who develop GMO foods run tests to ensure that allergens aren’t transferred from one food to another. (12) Also, research has shown that GMO foods are no likelier to trigger allergies than their non-GMO counterparts. (4)
But still, if you have a soy allergy, both GMO and non-GMO soy products will prompt an allergic reaction.
Likewise, there’s a common concern that GMO foods may increase the risk of cancers. But no long-term human studies exist. Thus, more long-term human research is needed.
Though GMO crops are convenient for farmers, there are environmental concerns as well.
Summary
The main concerns around GMO soybeans involve allergies, cancer, and environmental issues, all of which may affect the consumer. While current research suggests few risks, more long-term research is needed.
How to identify and avoid GMO Soy ?
Although Gmo food consumption is safe, some people still wish to avoid them. This avoidance is difficult since most foods in the supermarket are made with ingredients from GMO crops.(4)
In the United States, no regulations currently mandate the labeling of GMO foods.(4)
As of 2022, the USDA requires that foods with GMO ingredients must be labeled “bioengineered food”. You can avoid GMOs by limiting GMO ingredients, eating locally, or buying 100% organic. (13)
If GMO soybeans consumption is still a concern for you, choose organic products. Any food certified as USDA organic cannot be made with genetically modified foods.
For instance, if a dairy product is labeled as organic, the cows used to produce the milk cannot have been fed GMO soy. Foods such as Tofu, soy milk and soy-based faux dairy products labeled as organic will also be free of GMO soybeans. (1)
Summary
If you are still concerned about GMO soybeans, choose 100% organic soy products or those labeled as non-GMO. The food which is certified as USDA organic cannot be made with genetically modified foods.
Conclusion
GMOs are foods that have been modified using genetic techniques.
Most foods in the supermarket contain GMO ingredients because they’re easier and cost-effective for farmers, which makes them cheaper for the consumer.
Though the recent research suggests that GMO foods are safe for consumption, some people are still concerned about their potential health effects. More research is needed on the real health impact of genetically modified crops.
The risks of GMO soybeans are low. Speak to a doctor if you are allergic to nuts as GMO soybeans may cause allergic reactions in people with nut allergies.
References:-
- What Are the Dangers of GMO Soybeans? (livestrong.com)
- Genetically modified crops: current status and future prospects – PubMed (nih.gov)
- GMO Crops, Animal Food, and Beyond | FDA
- GMOs: Pros and Cons, Backed by Evidence (healthline.com)
- Management of Insect Pests with Bt Crops in the United States – PubMed (nih.gov)
- Environmental impacts of genetically modified (GM) crop use 1996–2018: impacts on pesticide use and carbon emissions – PMC (nih.gov)
- Genetically modified foods: safety, risks and public concerns—a review – PMC (nih.gov)
- Evaluation of the safety of a genetically modified DAS-444Ø6-6 soybean meal and hulls in a 90-day dietary toxicity study in rats – ScienceDirect
- Soy: Types, benefits, and nutrition (medicalnewstoday.com)
- Debate on GMOs health risks after statistical findings in regulatory tests – PubMed (nih.gov)
- Identification of a Brazil-nut allergen in transgenic soybeans – PubMed (nih.gov)
- GMOS and Your Health (fda.gov)
- BE Disclosure | Agricultural Marketing Service (usda.gov)
