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Turns out GMO corn is healthy
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
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The benefits and harms of genetically modified plants are the subject of many scientific debates and discussions. Transgenic modification has long been used in the agricultural industry, and - to its credit - brings many tangible benefits. However, is there any benefit to human health? Experts have been trying to answer this question for decades.
Scientists needed to conduct about six thousand studies to prove that genetically modified corn is not only harmless, but also in a certain sense useful - both for animals and for humans. Transgenic corn prevents intoxication with mycotoxic substances: such toxins are naturally found in cereals, vegetables and fruits.
The use of genetic engineering has helped to increase the global corn yield from 5% to almost 25%. Moreover, the genetically modified product has become 37% more resistant to mycotoxins.
Mold fungi are considered to be the main "supplier" of mycotoxic substances. The presence of such substances in food leads to mycotoxicosis - poisoning manifests itself in a decrease in productive capabilities, reproductive disorders, and deterioration of immunity. Even complete physical and chemical treatment of grain crops does not help to completely get rid of mycotoxins - for example, a small amount of such substances can be preserved in organic types of corn.
Transgenic products contain a significantly smaller amount of mycotoxic components, as they are more resistant to insects and diseases. Various insects "undermine" the immunity of plants, so fungal infections easily take root in weakened crops. Fungi, in turn, begin to "produce" mycotoxic substances en masse.
Italian scientists analyzed the results of six thousand different studies that were conducted regularly since 1996. A so-called meta-analysis was conducted, which is a cumulative assessment of all the results of the studies obtained through comparisons with each other. Of course, all the studies were devoted to solving the same problem.
The analysis only confirmed that genetically modified corn is absolutely safe for human health. Moreover, the benefits of the product have become obvious. Many experts are already openly talking about the conducted meta-analysis as the "final" chapter in the ongoing debates regarding genetically modified products.
Among other things, the data obtained will help prove to farmers that growing genetically modified crops not only increases their yield, but also avoids many problems with human health.
The full results of the project are published in Scientific Reports and are also available at www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-21284-2
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