Research Reveals Previously Unknown Pathway by which Glyphosate
Wrecks Health
May 14, 2013
Story at-a-glance
-
While Monsanto insists that Roundup is safe and “minimally
toxic” to humans, new research argues that glyphosate
residues on and in food enhance the damaging effects of
other food-borne chemical residues and environmental toxins
to disrupt normal body functions and induce disease
-
Glyphosate inhibits enzymes that catalyze the oxidation of
organic substances, which, according to the researchers, is
an overlooked component of its toxicity to mammals
-
The currently accepted dogma is that glyphosate is not
harmful to humans because the shikimate pathway is absent in
all animals. However, this pathway is present in both human
and mammal’s gut bacteria, which play a massively important
and heretofore largely overlooked role in human physiology
-
Rather than using in vitro DNA modification, a new breed of
genetically engineered wheat is designed to produce
double-strand RNA, by which the plant can silence specific
genes. Research has shown that molecules created in the
plant, intended to silence wheat genes to change its
carbohydrate content, can match a large number of human
genes and potentially turn them off as well
By Dr. Mercola
The more we learn about genetically engineered (GE) foods,
the clearer the dangers become. I’ve warned you of the potential
dangers of GE foods for many years now, as I was convinced that
the artificial combining of plants with genes from wildly
different kingdoms is bound to cause problems.
As the years roll on, such suspicions are becoming
increasingly validated. In recent weeks, we’ve not only learned
that
GE corn is in no way comparable to natural corn in terms of
nutrition, we’re also discovering the ramifications of dousing
our crops with large amounts of glyphosate — the active
ingredient in Monsanto’s broad-spectrum herbicide Roundup.
GE crops are far more contaminated with glyphosate than
conventional crops, courtesy of the fact that they’re engineered
to withstand extremely high levels of Roundup without perishing
along with the weed.
A new peer-reviewed report authored by Anthony Samsel, a
retired science consultant, and a long time contributor to the
Mercola.com Vital Votes Forum and Dr. Stephanie Seneff, a
research scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
(MIT) has fortunately received quite a bit of mainstream media
attention.
Their findings, along with the development of another breed
of “gene silencing” crops, makes the need for labeling all the
more urgent, and the advice to buy certified organic all the
more valid.
How Glyphosate Worsens Modern Diseases
While Monsanto insists that Roundup is safe and “minimally
toxic” to humans, Samsel and Seneff's research tells a different
story altogether. Their report, published in the journal
Entropy,1
argues that glyphosate residues, found in most commonly consumed
foods in the Western diet courtesy of GE sugar, corn, soy and
wheat, “enhance the damaging effects of other food-borne
chemical residues and toxins in the environment to disrupt
normal body functions and induce disease.” According to the
authors:
"Negative impact on the body is insidious and
manifests slowly over time as inflammation damages cellular
systems throughout the body.”
The main finding of the report is that glyphosate inhibits
cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, a large and diverse group of
enzymes that catalyze the oxidation of organic
substances. This, the authors state, is “an overlooked component
of its toxicity to mammals.”
One of the functions of CYP enzymes is to detoxify
xenobiotics—chemical compounds found in a living organism that
are not normally produced or consumed by the organism in
question. By limiting the ability of these enzymes to detoxify
foreign chemical compounds, glyphosate enhances the
damaging effects of those chemicals and environmental toxins you
may be exposed to.
Dr. Stephanie Seneff has been conducting research at MIT for
over three decades. She also has an undergraduate degree in
biology from MIT and a minor in food and nutrition, and I have
previously interviewed her about her groundbreaking insights
into the critical importance of
sulfur in human health. Not surprisingly, this latest
research also touches on sulfur, and how it is affected by
glyphosate from food.
“Here, we show how interference with CYP enzymes acts
synergistically with disruption of the biosynthesis of
aromatic amino acids by gut bacteria, as well as impairment
in serum sulfate transport,” the authors write.
“Consequences are most of the diseases and conditions
associated with a Western diet, which include
gastrointestinal disorders, obesity, diabetes, heart
disease, depression, autism, infertility, cancer and
Alzheimer’s disease.
We explain the documented effects of glyphosate and
its ability to induce disease, and we show that glyphosate
is the 'textbook example' of exogenous semiotic entropy: the
disruption of homeostasis by environmental toxins.”
The Link Between Your Gut and the Toxicity of Glyphosate
The impact of gut bacteria on your health is becoming
increasingly more well-understood and widely known. And here, we
see how your gut bacteria once again play a crucial role in
explaining why and how glyphosate causes health problems in both
animals and humans. The authors explain:
“Glyphosate’s claimed mechanism of action in plants
is the disruption of the shikimate pathway, which is
involved with the synthesis of the essential aromatic amino
acids, phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan. The
currently accepted dogma is that glyphosate is not harmful
to humans or to any mammals because the shikimate pathway is
absent in all animals.
However, this pathway is present in gut
bacteria, which play an important and heretofore largely
overlooked role in human physiology through an
integrated biosemiotic relationship with the human host. In
addition to aiding digestion, the gut microbiota synthesize
vitamins, detoxify xenobiotics, and participitate in immune
system homeostasis and gastrointestinal tract permeability.
Furthermore, dietary factors modulate the microbial
composition of the gut.”
As noted in the report, incidences of inflammatory bowel
diseases and food allergies have substantially increased over
the past decade. According to a recent CDC survey, one in 20
children now suffer from food allergies2
— a 50 percent increase from the late 1990’s. Incidence of
eczema and other skin allergies have risen by 69 percent and now
affect one in eight kids. Samsel and Seneff argue it is
reasonable to suspect that glyphosate’s impact on gut bacteria
may be contributing to these diseases and conditions. They point
out that:
“...Our systematic search of the literature has led
us to the realization that many of the health problems that
appear to be associated with a Western diet could be
explained by biological disruptions that have already been
attributed to glyphosate.
These include digestive issues, obesity, autism,
Alzheimer’s disease, depression, Parkinson’s disease, liver
diseases, and cancer, among others. While many other
environmental toxins obviously also contribute to these
diseases and conditions, we believe that glyphosate may be
the most significant environmental toxin, mainly because it
is pervasive and it is often handled carelessly due to its
perceived nontoxicity.
...[T]he recent alarming increase in all of
these health issues can be traced back to a combination of
gut dysbiosis, impaired sulfate transport, and suppression
of the activity of the various members of the cytochrome
P450 (CYP) family of enzymes.”
Former Navy Scientist Exposes Health Hazards of Glyphosate
Former US Navy staff scientist Dr. Nancy Swanson has a Ph.D.
in physics, holds five US patents and has authored more than 30
scientific papers and two books on women in science. Ten years
ago, she became seriously ill, and in her journey to regain her
health she turned to organic foods. Not surprisingly (for those
in the know) her symptoms dramatically improved. This prompted
her to start investigating genetically engineered foods.
She has meticulously collected statistics on glyphosate usage
and various diseases and conditions, including autism. A more
perfect match-up between the rise in glyphosate usage and
incidence of autism is hard to imagine... To access her
published articles and reports, please visit Sustainable Pulse,3
a European website dedicated to exposing the hazards of
genetically engineered foods.
According to Dr. Swanson:4
“Prevalence and incidence data show correlations
between diseases of the organs and the increase in
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in the food supply,
along with the increase in glyphosate-based herbicide
applications. More and more studies have revealed
carcinogenic and endocrine disrupting effects of Roundup at
lower doses than those authorized for residues found in
Genetically Modified Organisms.”
“The endocrine disrupting properties of glyphosate
can lead to reproductive problems: infertility, miscarriage,
birth defects, and sexual development. Fetuses, infants and
children are especially susceptible because they are
continually experiencing growth and hormonal changes. For
optimal growth and development, it is crucial that their
hormonal system is functioning properly.
The endocrine disrupting properties also lead to
neurological disorders (learning disabilities (LD),
attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), autism,
dementia, Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder).
Those most susceptible are children and the elderly.”
Warning! EPA Raises Limits for Allowable Glyphosate Residues
Amazingly, just as more independent reports are emerging
confirming the health hazards of glyphosate and GMOs, the
Environmental Protection Agency5
(EPA) is proposing to RAISE the allowed residue limits of
glyphosate in food and feed crops! As reported by GM Watch
6:
“The allowed level in teff animal feed will be 100
parts per million (ppm); and in oilseed crops, 40 ppm.
Allowed levels in some fruits and vegetables eaten by humans
will also rise.”
Root and tuber vegetables, with the exception of sugar, will
get one of the largest boosts, with allowable residue limits
being raised from 0.2 ppm to 6.0 ppm. The new level for sweet
potatoes will be 3 ppm.
“As a comparison, malformations in frog and chicken
embryos were documented7
by Prof Andres Carrasco's team at 2.03 ppm glyphosate, when
injected into the embryos,” GM Watch writes.
Yet despite all the evidence, the EPA rule states:
"EPA concludes that there is a reasonable certainty
that no harm will result to the general population or to
infants and children from aggregate exposure to glyphosate
residues."
Monsanto has in fact petitioned and received approvals for
increases in residue levels for several crops. Why? Because the
weeds are getting increasingly resistant, requiring farmers to
increase the amount of Roundup they have to spray just to keep
up with the superweeds created by the excessive use of the
chemical in the first place...
The Rise of Superweeds
A recent article in Nature Magazine8
addressed some of the environmental and societal concerns
associated with genetically engineered crops. One of them is the
rise in crop-destroying superweeds, as weeds develop resistance
to glyphosate. This was yet another possibility that was
initially pooh-pooh’d by Monsanto. However, truth has a way of
eventually becoming self evident, and now glyphosate resistance
is becoming so obvious the facts are hardly disguisable.
According to the article:
“As late as 2004, the company was publicizing a
multi-year study suggesting that rotating crops and
chemicals does not help to avert resistance. When applied at
Monsanto’s recommended doses, glyphosate killed weeds
effectively, and 'we know that dead weeds will not become
resistant,' said Rick Cole, now Monsanto’s technical lead of
weed management, in a trade-journal advertisement at the
time.
The study,9
published in 2007, was criticized by scientists for using
plots so small that the chances of resistance developing
were very low, no matter what the practice.
Glyphosate-resistant weeds have now been found in 18
countries worldwide, with significant impacts in Brazil,
Australia, Argentina and Paraguay... And Monsanto has
changed its stance on glyphosate use, now recommending that
farmers use a mix of chemical products and ploughing. But
the company stops short of acknowledging a role in creating
the problem...
To offer farmers new weed-control strategies,
Monsanto and other biotechnology companies, such as Dow
AgroSciences, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, are developing
new herbicide-resistant crops that work with different
chemicals, which they expect to commercialize within a few
years.”
What the author fails to mention is that some of these new
herbicide-resistant crops are being designed to withstand
chemicals that could be even more destructive, both
environmentally and with regards to human health—especially
in light of Samsel and Seneff's new research.
For example, Dow AgroSciences has developed a new generation
of genetically modified (GM) crops -- soybeans, corn and cotton
-- designed to resist a major ingredient in
Agent Orange, the herbicide called 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic
acid (2,4-D).
The use of 2,4-D is not new; it’s actually one of the most
widely used herbicides in the world. What is new is
that farmers will now “carpet bomb” staple food crops like soy
and corn with this chemical at a previously unprecedented
scale—just the way glyphosate has been indiscriminately applied
as a result of Roundup Ready crops. In fact, if 2,4-D resistant
crops receive approval and eventually come to replace Monsanto's
failing Roundup-resistant crops as Dow intends, it is likely
that billions of pounds will be needed, on top of the
already insane levels of Roundup being used (1.6 billion lbs
were used in 2007 in the US alone).
Gene Transfer Hazards, and the Latest 'Gene Silencing' Crops
Nature Magazine also discusses the spread of
transgenes to wild crops. Mexico in particular has reported the
spread of GE corn despite the fact that GE crops are not
approved for commercial planting in Mexico. It is believed that
the transgenes originated in corn imported from the US, and that
local farmers may have planted some of the corn originally
purchased for consumption, not realizing they were genetically
engineered.
Cross-breeding between native and GE varieties may have
allowed for the continued spread of transgenic DNA. Sadly, once
present, it’s virtually impossible to get rid of these
transgenes, which means that native species may eventually be
eliminated entirely—a fate that cuts deep into the heart of the
Mexican people, where corn is considered sacred.
Latest Breed of GE Crops Can Silence Your Genes... What Then?
Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research
Organization (CSIRO) has developed a type of genetically
engineered (GE) wheat that may silence human genes, which could
have truly disastrous health consequences.
Last year, University of Canterbury Professor Jack Heinemann
released results from genetic research he conducted on the
wheat, which unequivocally showed that molecules created in the
wheat, intended to silence wheat genes to change its
carbohydrate content, can match human genes and potentially
silence them. Heinemann’s research revealed over 770 pages of
potential matches between two genes in the GE wheat and the
human genome. Over a dozen matches were “extensive and identical
and sufficient to cause silencing in experimental systems,” he
said.
Experts warned that eating this GE wheat could lead to
significant changes in the way glucose and carbohydrates are
stored in the human body, which could be potentially deadly for
children and lead to serious illness in adults. Yet despite the
seriousness of these findings, regulators are ignoring and
dismissing such warnings. According to the Institute of Science
in Society,10
the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has approved at
least five such GE food products already.
Rather than using in vitro DNA modification (which is how
Roundup Ready and Bt crops are created), this new breed of
genetically engineered crops use a wholly different approach. In
vitro DNA modification results in the creation of a new protein,
but this new breed is designed to change their RNA content,
thereby regulating gene expression within the plant. RNA is one
of three major macromolecules, like DNA. Double-stranded RNA
(dsRNA) is responsible for regulating more than one-third of
human genes. By engineering the plant to produce dsRNA, the
plant can be “instructed” to silence specific genes—within
itself, and potentially within your body...
A Global Experiment Based on Faulty Assumptions is Bound to Take
its Toll...
It is assumed that both DNA and RNA are broken down in your
gut when you consume them in GE food, which is why they both
have GRAS status (Generally Regarded as Safe). However,
experiments dating back to the early 1990’s have contradicted
this assumption.11
According to Dr. Mae Wan-Ho12
(for references, see the original article):
“There have been many publications documenting the
ability of DNA to survive digestion in the gut and to pass
into the bloodstream whenever investigations were carried
out with sufficiently sensitive detection methods. DsRNA in
particular, is much more stable than single stranded RNA.
DsRNA produced in genetically modified plants survive intact
after passing through the gut of insects and worms feeding
on the plants.
Also, oral exposure of insect pests to dsRNA was
effective in inducing RNA interference. Worms can even
absorb dsRNA suspended in liquid through their skin, and
when taken in, the dsRNA can circulate throughout the body
and alter gene expression in the animal. In some cases the
dsRNA taken up is further multiplied or induces a secondary
reaction resulting in more and different secondary dsRNA
with unpredictable targets. Thus, not only are dsRNA
mechanisms universal to all plants and animals, there is
already experimental evidence that they can act across
kingdoms.”
Dr. Mae Wan-Ho also points out research from China, which has
demonstrated that dsRNAs can survive digestion and be taken up
via the gastrointestinal tract, and that microRNA (miRNA) from
food can circulate in the human blood stream and have the
potential to turn off human genes.
“The data also indicated that some dsRNAs from plants
are found more frequently than predicted from their level of
expression in plants; in other words, there may be a
selective retention or uptake of some miRNA molecules,”
she writes.
Most Consumers Still Unaware of GMO Risks
The biotech industry, led by Monsanto, is increasing their
propaganda efforts to reshape their public image, and sway your
opinion against the need to label genetically engineered foods.
As The Atlantic recently reported.13
“Given its opposition to the labeling of GM foods… it
seems clear that Monsanto wants you to close your eyes, open
your mouth, and swallow."
Indeed, many consumers are still in the dark about the very
real risks that GE crops pose, both to the environment and human
health. This is precisely what the biotech industry wants, even
as increasing research demonstrates the many dangers associated
with GE foods. For example, one recent study found that rats fed
a type of
genetically engineered corn that is prevalent in the US food
supply for two years developed massive mammary tumors, kidney
and liver damage, and other serious health problems. This was at
dietary amounts of about 10 percent. Does 10 percent or more of
your diet consist of genetically engineered
ingredients? If processed foods form the basis of your diet,
then you’re likely consuming FAR MORE genetically modified
organisms (GMOs) than that...
Unfortunately, you can't know for sure how many items in your
fridge and pantry might contain
GMO since the US does not
require genetically engineered foods to be labeled. With the
emergence of “gene silencing” crops and the latest findings from
Samsel and Seneff, the need for labeling couldn’t possibly be
greater.
Keep Fighting for Labeling of Genetically Engineered Foods
While California Prop. 37 failed to pass last November, by a
very narrow margin, the fight for GMO labeling is far from over.
The field-of-play has now moved to the state of Washington,
where the people's initiative 522, "The People's Right to Know
Genetically Engineered Food Act," will require food sold in
retail outlets to be labeled if it contains genetically
engineered ingredients. As stated on LabelitWA.org:
"Calorie and nutritional information were not always
required on food labels. But since 1990 it has been required
and most consumers use this information every day.
Country-of-origin labeling wasn't required until 2002. The
trans fat content of foods didn't have to be labeled until
2006. Now, all of these labeling requirements are accepted
as important for consumers. The Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) also says we must know with labeling if our orange
juice is from fresh oranges or frozen concentrate.
Doesn't it make sense that genetically engineered
foods containing experimental viral, bacterial, insect,
plant or animal genes should be labeled, too? Genetically
engineered foods do not have to be tested for safety before
entering the market. No long-term human feeding studies have
been done. The research we have is raising serious questions
about the impact to human health and the environment.
I-522 provides the transparency people deserve. I-522
will not raise costs to consumers or food producers. It
simply would add more information to food labels, which
manufacturers change routinely anyway, all the time. I-522
does not impose any significant cost on our state. It does
not require the state to conduct label surveillance, or to
initiate or pursue enforcement. The state may choose to do
so, as a policy choice, but I-522 was written to avoid
raising costs to the state or consumers."
Remember, as with CA Prop. 37, they need support of people
like YOU to succeed. Prop. 37 failed with a very narrow margin
simply because we didn't have the funds to counter the massive
ad campaigns created by the No on 37 camp, led by Monsanto and
other major food companies. Let's not allow Monsanto and its
allies to confuse and mislead the people of Washington and
Vermont as they did in California. So please, I urge you to get
involved and help in any way you can, regardless of what state
you live in.
- No matter where you live in the United States, please
donate money to these labeling efforts through the
Organic
Consumers Fund.
- If you live in Washington State, please
sign
the I-522 petition. You can also
volunteer
to help gather signatures across the state.
- For timely updates on issues relating to these and other
labeling initiatives, please join the Organic Consumers
Association on
Facebook, or follow them on
Twitter.
- Talk to organic producers and stores and ask them to
actively support the Washington initiative.
© Copyright 1997-2013 Dr. Joseph Mercola. All Rights Reserved.
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/05/14/glyphosate.aspx
|