Parents and Organic Baby nutrition

BY NATASHA ZAMBURRO
THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2006

Organic products for baby nutrition is becoming a main priority for parents worldwide. The availability of a great range of organic fruits, vegetables, grains, cereals, biscuits, eggs and beverages has made the nutritionally aware parents choice easier.

Organic cereals contain a higher percentage of minerals from the soil and retain nutritional content well after harvest while fruits and vegetables have a higher vitamin and mineral profile. In general, organic fruit crops contain higher levels of phenolic compounds than conventional produce and Danish researchers have found organic crops have 10 - 50% more antioxidants that conventional fruits.1,2,3

Pesticide residue on produce may be particularly problematic to children. Per unit of body weight, children have a higher intake of food and water than adults and their ability to detox these substances may overburden their system.4

A Seattle study revealed that children aged 2 –4 had pesticide concentrations up to six times higher when eating conventionally farmed fruit and vegetables compared with those eating organic food.5 Of concern is the fact that we can currently measure the immediate effects of pesticide residue in a child's body although future locomotive, mental and biological ramifications are unknown.

Food colours and additives may also contribute to health problems in adults and children. Eg: tartrazine (the yellow food colouring E102) has been linked to allergic reactions, headaches, asthma, growth retardation and hyperactivity in children.6

All artificial colours and artificial sweeteners are banned in organic food. Additives found in organic food are added for legal reasons. Iron, thiamine (vitamin B) and nicotinic acid (vitamin B3) are added to white flour and various vitamins and minerals to different types of baby foods.

Why should I adopt an organic diet?

to reduce ingestion of toxic chemicals
to avoid GMOs [genetically modified organisms];
to reduce the amount of food additives, colourings, preservatives, anti-caking agents, flavours and emulsifiers
to increase the amount of vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and antioxidants received from your food
to lower the incidence of common conditions such as cancer, coronary heart disease, allergies and hyperactivity in children.
to prevent the accumulation of pesticide residues