Genetically modified organisms (GMO’s) have replaced our diet with genetically altered foods, which have adversely affected human health as well as local communities. Genetically modified organisms (GMO’s) are a broad group of plants, animals, and bacteria that are engineered for a wide variety of applications ranging from agricultural production to scientific research. The types of potential hazards posed by GMO’s vary according to the type of organism being modified and its intended application. Most of the concern surrounding GMO’s relates to their potential for negative effects on human health. There are several types of potential health effects that could result from GMO’s. Genetically modified organisms can cause immune system problems,
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Evidence shows that genetically engineered foods trigger adverse immune system responses. A study done in Italy exposed that “the Bt-toxin produced in genetically modified Bt crops like corn and cotton plants is toxic to humans and mammals and triggers immune system responses” (Mercola, 2012). When this theory was tested on mice, the immune system responses included elevated IgE and IgG antibodies, which are typically associated with allergies and infections, an increase in cytokines, which are associated with allergic and inflammatory responses, and elevated T cells (gamma delta), which are increased in people with asthma, and in children with food allergies, juvenile arthritis, and connective tissue diseases. Studies are showing that GMO’s may make humans allergic to non-GMO foods. The biotech industry claims that “Bt-toxin is harmless to humans and mammals because the natural bacteria version has been used as a spray by farmers for years” (IRT, 2015). In reality, hundreds of people exposed to the Bt spray had allergic-type symptoms, and mice fed Bt had powerful immune responses and damaged intestines. GM soy drastically reduces digestive enzymes in mice. Since GMO’s can impair a person’s digestion, that person may become sensitive and allergic to a variety of foods. Mice fed Bt-toxin started having immune reactions to formerly harmless foods. Mice fed experimental GM peas also started reacting to a range …show more content…
If there is an increase in GMOs, then there is also an increase in glyphosate, an herbicide found in Roundup. Studies have revealed that there are carcinogenic and endocrine disrupting effects from the use of glyphosate. The endocrine system carries out many different functions such as growth and veleopment, homeostasis, metabolism, reproduction, and the response to stimuli. An endocrine disruptor is a chemical that can either mimic or block hormones and can therefore disrupt the body’s normal functions. This can alter hormone levels, stop or start the production of hormones, or interact with an organ that the hormone was supposed to regulate. Hormones work at small doses, so even the lowest exposure of these chemicals can cause endocrine disruption. Endocrine disruption can cause failure in all different body systems that are controlled by hormones. If there are problems within the endocrine system, disease such as diabetes, kidney disease, hypertension, obesity, and osteoporosis can occur. More life-threatening diseases such as cancer, Alzheimers, and Parkinsons can also be brought upon by problems with the endocrine system. The endocrine system carries out many different functions such as growth and development, homeostasis, metabolism, reproduction, and the response to stimuli. The body will start to respond with
Evidence shows that genetically engineered foods trigger adverse immune system responses. A study done in Italy exposed that “the Bt-toxin produced in genetically modified Bt crops like corn and cotton plants is toxic to humans and mammals and triggers immune system responses” (Mercola, 2012). When this theory was tested on mice, the immune system responses included elevated IgE and IgG antibodies, which are typically associated with allergies and infections, an increase in cytokines, which are associated with allergic and inflammatory responses, and elevated T cells (gamma delta), which are increased in people with asthma, and in children with food allergies, juvenile arthritis, and connective tissue diseases. Studies are showing that GMO’s may make humans allergic to non-GMO foods. The biotech industry claims that “Bt-toxin is harmless to humans and mammals because the natural bacteria version has been used as a spray by farmers for years” (IRT, 2015). In reality, hundreds of people exposed to the Bt spray had allergic-type symptoms, and mice fed Bt had powerful immune responses and damaged intestines. GM soy drastically reduces digestive enzymes in mice. Since GMO’s can impair a person’s digestion, that person may become sensitive and allergic to a variety of foods. Mice fed Bt-toxin started having immune reactions to formerly harmless foods. Mice fed experimental GM peas also started reacting to a range …show more content…
If there is an increase in GMOs, then there is also an increase in glyphosate, an herbicide found in Roundup. Studies have revealed that there are carcinogenic and endocrine disrupting effects from the use of glyphosate. The endocrine system carries out many different functions such as growth and veleopment, homeostasis, metabolism, reproduction, and the response to stimuli. An endocrine disruptor is a chemical that can either mimic or block hormones and can therefore disrupt the body’s normal functions. This can alter hormone levels, stop or start the production of hormones, or interact with an organ that the hormone was supposed to regulate. Hormones work at small doses, so even the lowest exposure of these chemicals can cause endocrine disruption. Endocrine disruption can cause failure in all different body systems that are controlled by hormones. If there are problems within the endocrine system, disease such as diabetes, kidney disease, hypertension, obesity, and osteoporosis can occur. More life-threatening diseases such as cancer, Alzheimers, and Parkinsons can also be brought upon by problems with the endocrine system. The endocrine system carries out many different functions such as growth and development, homeostasis, metabolism, reproduction, and the response to stimuli. The body will start to respond with