Study: GMOs are good for you

Misinformation surrounding genetically modified organisms (GMOs) ranges from monikers like “Frankenfoods” to general skepticism and has solicited a variety of biased reactions to the organisms. 

However, a new meta-analysis in the journal Scientific Reports shows genetically modified (GM) corn increases crop yields and provides significant health benefits. The cumulative analysis draws from 6,000 peer-reviewed studies conducted over the past 21 years. 

The analysis, which was not limited to studies conducted in the U.S. and Canada, showed GMO corn varieties have increased crop yields worldwide 5.6 to 24.5 percent when compared to non-GMO varieties.

They also found GM corn crops had significantly fewer – up to 36.5 percent less, depending on the species – mycotoxins. Mycotoxins, chemicals produced by fungi, are both toxic and carcinogenic to humans and animals. A significant percentage of non-GM and organic corn contains small amounts of mycotoxins. GM corn has substantially fewer mycotoxins because the plants are modified to experience less crop damage from insects. Insects weaken a plant’s immune system and make it more susceptible to developing the fungi that produce mycotoxins.

Some have argued that GMOs in the U.S. and Canada haven’t increased crop yields and could threaten human health. This sweeping analysis proved just the opposite.

There have been, for a variety of largely unscientific reasons, serious concerns surrounding the effects of GMOs on human health. This analysis confirms not only do GMOs pose no risk to human health, but also that they actually could have a substantive positive impact on it.

In their analysis, the researchers stated this study allows us “to draw unequivocal conclusions, helping to increase public confidence in food produced with genetically modified plants.”