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Hormones in Food and their Adverse Effects

  • March 16, 2020
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Hormones in Food and their Adverse Effects

Food helps build our body tissue and in healing injuries through repair. Needless to say, the safety and quality of food are of prime concern. It is not unknown that ‘hormones,' the wonder chemicals have been used in livestock to increase the yield of milk and meat. We are probably used to these chemicals, but does that mean there is no need to speculate the impact of these extra ingredients in our food?

Hormones are signal molecules affecting growth and reproduction. So we normally have hormones in our blood. Studies show that only a small fraction of added hormones enter our bodies through foods. But their effects could be intense and damaging!

While some hormones used are naturally occurring, others could be synthetic versions. Many hormones are approved safe by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). They include:

  • Steroid hormones (estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone) used to promote growth and weight gain in livestock.
  • Recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH) to increase milk yield in cattle.
  • IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor) to enhance milk production in cattle.

Independent studies, however suggest a strong likelihood of IGF-1 with cancer. Hormone-treated milk is linked to early puberty in children. Drinking milk with hormones during pregnancy may affect the health of infants in their adulthood.

The adverse effects of these hormones can never be ignored. To avoid treated products:

  • Check labels for rBGH-free or certified organic milk and dairy products.
  • Opt for certified organic meat and meat products free of growth hormones.

It is not easy to study the effects of added hormones in the presence of our natural hormones. The effects also take a long time to show up. Until rigorous research draws any conclusion, it is better to remain watchful.

Developed by Scientific Angle brought to you by Health Meter Services

Disclaimer: Don’t follow any suggestions in this article without consulting a qualified doctor

Sources:

  1. 'Food Safety Focus.' Centre for Food Safety. The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. https://www.cfs.gov.hk/english/multimedia/multimedia_pub/multimedia_pub_fsf_105_02.html.
  2. 'The Controversy over Added Hormones in Meat and Dairy.' Health Library. Beth Israel Lahey Health. Winchester Hospital. https://www.winchesterhospital.org/health-library/article?id=90869.
  3. 'Safer Food for a Healthier You.' WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/safer-food-healthier-you#1.
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