Organic food is healthier for children

What the research found

A 2012 systematic review of 17 human studies found no significant differences between organic and conventional diets for allergies (eczema, wheeze) or symptomatic Campylobacter infection. Only 3 of the studies looked at clinical outcomes. Two studies found lower urinary pesticide levels in children eating organic diets.

A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis of 23 observational and 27 interventional studies found a benefit for pesticide exposure markers and phenolics. It found no link for toxic metals and carotenoids in blood plasma. Results for antioxidant status and other blood measures were inconsistent.

A 2019 review said scientific evidence is still scarce. It called for large, long-term intervention studies to test whether an organic diet is actually healthier. Lower pesticide exposure is a measurable difference, but no study provided shows it leads to better health in children.

What it doesn’t mean

• This doesn't mean organic food is harmful. It means a health benefit for children hasn't been shown, even though pesticide traces are lower.
• Official healthy eating advice for Australian children focuses on variety from the 5 food groups and limiting foods high in sugar, saturated fat and salt. It does not say children need to eat organic food.
• If your child has allergies, a medical condition or special dietary needs, talk to your GP or a dietitian about what suits them.