Glyphosate
In brief
Section titled “In brief”- Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide in the world, with residues in many foods
- Science is divided: IARC calls it “probably carcinogenic”, other agencies consider it safe
- Highest residues in conventional grains (wheat, oats) and legumes
- Organic eating demonstrably lowers exposure
- Practical approach: choose selectively organic, vary, and consider fewer grains for metabolic goals
What is glyphosate?
Section titled “What is glyphosate?”Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide, introduced in 1974 and known mainly under the brand name Roundup. It is the most widely used herbicide worldwide.
Where is it used?
Section titled “Where is it used?”| Application | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Weed control in crops |
| Desiccation | Spraying just before harvest to ripen crop uniformly |
| Gardens and public spaces | Keeping paths and areas weed-free |
| Genetically modified crops | ”Roundup Ready” crops are resistant |
How does it get into food?
Section titled “How does it get into food?”- Direct spraying of crops
- Desiccation just before harvest (especially grains, legumes)
- Uptake via soil and water
- Residues partly remain after processing
The scientific controversy
Section titled “The scientific controversy”There is no consensus on the health risks of glyphosate at current exposure levels.
Different positions
Section titled “Different positions”| Agency | Conclusion |
|---|---|
| IARC (WHO, 2015) | “Probably carcinogenic to humans” (group 2A) |
| EFSA (EU) | “Unlikely to be carcinogenic at realistic exposure” |
| EPA (US) | “No evidence of carcinogenicity in humans” |
| BfR (Germany) | “Safe when used according to instructions” |
Mechanisms of possible harm
Section titled “Mechanisms of possible harm”Besides the cancer discussion, there are concerns about:
- Gut microbiome - glyphosate inhibits the shikimate pathway, a route bacteria use but humans do not. Effects on gut flora are being investigated
- Hormone disruption - possible effects on estrogen and thyroid function
- Oxidative stress - elevated markers in some animal studies
- Mitochondrial function - effects on energy production in cells
Exposure through food
Section titled “Exposure through food”Foods with relatively high residues
Section titled “Foods with relatively high residues”| Category | Examples | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Grains | Wheat, oats, barley, rye | Desiccation before harvest |
| Legumes | Chickpeas, lentils, peas | Desiccation |
| Soy | Soybeans, tofu, soy milk | Especially GM varieties |
| Some vegetables | Spinach, carrots | Soil residues |
Products with lower residues
Section titled “Products with lower residues”- Organic products - no glyphosate allowed
- Rice - grown in water, less glyphosate use
- Fruit - less desiccation use
- Animal products - residues usually low (though accumulation possible)
How much do we ingest?
Section titled “How much do we ingest?”Average exposure in Western countries is usually below the official safe limit (ADI). However:
- The ADI is based on outdated studies
- Effects on microbiome and hormones are not included in the ADI
- Individual variation in sensitivity exists
What does research in humans show?
Section titled “What does research in humans show?”Urine studies
Section titled “Urine studies”- Glyphosate is measurable in urine in most people
- Levels have risen in recent decades
- Switching to organic lowers urine levels within 3-6 days
Epidemiological research
Section titled “Epidemiological research”- Occupational exposure (farmers, gardeners) is associated with increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in some studies
- For the general population, evidence is less clear
- Long-term studies on low, chronic exposure are largely lacking
Practical approach
Section titled “Practical approach”Where organic has the most impact
Section titled “Where organic has the most impact”Not everything needs to be organic. Focus on products with the highest residues:
| Priority | Product | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| High | Oats, wheat | Organic oats, fewer grains |
| High | Chickpeas, lentils | Organic legumes |
| Medium | Bread, pasta, breakfast cereals | Organic or less frequent |
| Lower | Vegetables, fruit | Wash well, vary |
Preparation tips
Section titled “Preparation tips”- Washing removes some residues on vegetables/fruit
- Soaking grains and legumes can reduce residues
- Fermenting (sourdough) seems to partly break down glyphosate
- Cooking has limited effect on glyphosate
Broader nutrition approach
Section titled “Broader nutrition approach”Context: the bigger picture
Section titled “Context: the bigger picture”Glyphosate is one factor in a complex whole. Other relevant factors:
- Total pesticide load - glyphosate is not the only substance
- Food quality - ultra-processed vs. real food
- Soil health - influence on nutrient density
- Diversity - variation reduces risk from any individual substance
Keeping perspective
Section titled “Keeping perspective”| Factor | Relative impact on health |
|---|---|
| Ultra-processed food | +++ |
| Added sugars | +++ |
| Lack of exercise | +++ |
| Sleep deprivation | ++ |
| Pesticides (including glyphosate) | + to ++ |
Veelgestelde vragen
What is glyphosate?
Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide in the world, sold under names like Roundup. It is applied to crops, in agriculture, and in gardens. Residues can end up in food, especially in grains, legumes, and some vegetables.
Is glyphosate dangerous for health?
Science is divided. IARC (WHO) classifies glyphosate as 'probably carcinogenic', while EFSA and EPA conclude it is safe under normal use. The discussion mainly concerns long-term, low exposure and effects on gut microbiome and hormone balance.
Which foods contain the most glyphosate?
Relatively high residues are found in wheat, oats, barley, chickpeas, lentils, and soy - especially with conventional cultivation. Glyphosate is sometimes sprayed just before harvest to ripen the crop uniformly (desiccation).
Does organic eating help against glyphosate?
Yes, organic products contain significantly lower or no detectable glyphosate residues. Studies show that switching to organic lowers glyphosate levels in urine within days.
What can I do myself to reduce exposure?
Choose organic grains and legumes where possible, wash vegetables and fruit well, vary food sources, and consider fewer grain products for metabolic goals. Complete elimination is not realistic, but reduction is achievable.
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