A question we get are getting more and more from parents is whether Neocate uses Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) ingredients. The answer to that is ‘no’!
GMO ingredients are genetic materials in a food item (or even in an animal) that have been altered in some way and Nutricia North America’s (the makers of Neocate) goal is to use ingredients from traditional origins. Our ingredients are considered non-GMO. This can not be said for other elemental formulas currently on the market.
Research on the use of GMO ingredients is relatively new and is finding to be controversial.
One of the main concerns of using GMO ingredients and/or foods is that the altered ingredient or food item may contain new allergenic substances due to the introduction of new and different genes. In fact, a proposal to incorporate a gene from Brazil nuts into soybeans was abandoned because of the fear of causing unexpected allergic reactions.1 This concern holds the most weight with scientists in regards to possible human health risks in using GM foods and ingredients.
Another concern is that genetic engineering often involves the use of antibiotic-resistance genes as "selectable markers" and this could lead to production of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains that are resistant to available antibiotics we have today.2
Other research looks to the potential benefits of GMO food items as they may help to decrease hunger and starvation to millions because GMO crops can produce large amounts of foods, and can be more resistant to drought or pests.
The labeling of GMO foods is also a hot topic. There is much debate as to whether companies should label that a food has GMO ingredients or not. This is an ongoing debate and we will have to wait and see what comes of it. If consumers show preference for GMO labeled foods over non-labeled foods, then industry will have the incentive to regulate itself or risk losing the customer.
Because this is still being investigated, more will have to be studied to understand the true implications of GM ingredients. But for the time being, it is good to know that all of our Neocate products use non-GM ingredients.
- Christine
Add Comment