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Answers

Question

Has their been research performed on the tissue removed from diverticulitis patients or leaky gut patients to test for the presence of bt? It seems like the logical place to look.

Submitted by: Archerdan


Answer

Expert response from Kevin Folta

Professor and Chairman, Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida

Friday, 07/11/2014 15:55

Diverticulitis is a disease of the large intestine in which small pockets or pouches form in the intestinal wall, become inflamed and cause complications. The disease, its risk factors and its causes are well understood. To date, it has no association with the Bt protein, or with transgenic crops in general. 

 

While it might seem like a logical association at first blush, a bit of understanding of the Bt mechanism of action makes the hypothesis of “Bt linked to digestive disorders in humans” less compelling. Bt is a protein that requires species-specific processing and molecular interactions that severely restrict its effective range of target organisms. In other words, it affects only specific insects, and it certainly does not affect other animals. To our bodies, the Bt protein is just another protein — one that we digest and metabolize. 

 

“Leaky gut” is not a medical term — biotech critics use it to engender fear. 

 

Most of all, the risk factors for diverticulitis are known. These include obesity, lack of exercise, age and a high-fat, low-fiber diet — none of which is associated with transgenic crops or Bt.