Protecting the Growing Brain - Part 2: Food Quality
Research, products, and tools referenced in this module.13 resources available.
3 printable PDFs
EWG's guide to pesticide residue levels in produce (2024 list)
What food labels actually mean vs. what they imply
Simple swaps that remove the worst offenders from your kitchen
Bouchard et al. (2011) - Each 10-fold increase in prenatal organophosphate exposure associated with 7-point IQ decrease at age 7
Lu et al. (2006) - Organic diet caused pesticide metabolites to drop to undetectable levels within days
McCann et al. (2007) - Randomized controlled trial showing artificial colors and sodium benzoate increase hyperactivity in children
Nigg et al. (2012) - Approximately 8% of children with ADHD may have symptoms related to synthetic food colors
Lanphear et al. (2005) - No safe lead level exists; 6.9-point IQ decrease from 2.4 to 30 mcg/dL blood lead
Daley et al. (2010) - Comprehensive review showing grass-fed beef has 2x CLA, more omega-3s, better fatty acid ratios
Hyland et al. (2019) - Organic diet reduced pesticide metabolites by 60-95% in days
Parker et al. (2022) - Analysis of arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury in 36 baby food samples
2019 report testing 168 baby foods - found 95% contained heavy metals, with rice products highest risk
Annual guide to pesticide residues in produce - helps prioritize organic purchases
Resources are curated to support your learning. Research links go directly to published studies. We recommend these products and services because we believe in their quality - we do not receive commissions or affiliate payments for any recommendations.