Should Children Eat Organic?

Course overview

While the health benefits of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is well documented, there is increasing concern about the safety of exposure to agricultural pesticide residues on produce, especially for pregnant women and young children. As often happens, commercial promotion, hearsay and rumors have clouded the issue and confused consumers. Dietitians should anticipate parents' most frequently asked questions about pesticides, organic foods, and the potential link to attention, behavior, and cognition in children. This article will review current studies on organophosphate (OP) pesticides and their potential to impair neurodevelopment and cause neurobehavioral disorders in children, and offer dietitians practical tips for counseling their clients.