Journal or Publishing Institution: The Open Nutraceuticals Journal
Author(s): Verma, C., Nanda, S., K Singh, R., B Singh, R. and Mishra, S.
Article Type: Journal Publication
Record ID: 871
Abstract: Biotechnology offers a variety of potential benefits and risks. It has enhanced food production by making plants less vulnerable to drought, frost, insects, and viruses and by enabling plants to compete more effectively against weeds for soil nutrients. In a few cases, it has also improved the quality and nutrition of foods by altering their composition. However, the use of biotechnology has also raised concerns about its potential risks to the environment and people. For example, some people fear that common plant pests could develop resistance to the introduced pesticides in GM crops that were supposed to combat them. Genetic engineering provides a means to introduce genes into plants via mechanisms that are different in some respects from classical breeding. A number of commercialized, genetically engineered (GE) varieties, most notably canola, cotton, maize and soybean, were created using this technology, and at present the traits introduced are herbicide and/or pest tolerance. Gene technology enables the increase of production in plants, as well as the rise of resistance to pests, viruses, frost, etc. Gene transfer is used to modify the physical and chemical composition and nutritional value of food. Gene transfer in animals will play a part in boundless possibilities of improving qualitative and quantitative traits. The yield, carcass composition and meat characteristics the use of nutritive substances and resistance to diseases can be improved. On the other hand, negative effects of gene technology on animals, human, and environment should be considered. The present review article is the compilation of various studies that present both positive and negative impacts of genetically modified food on human health.
Keywords: Bacillus thuringiensis, genetically modified food, Gene Technology, Human Health, Pharmaceutical Drugs, transgenic plants
Citation: Verma, C., Nanda, S., K Singh, R., B Singh, R. and Mishra, S., 2011. A review on impacts of genetically modified food on human health. The Open Nutraceuticals Journal, 4(1).
