Are growth hormones banned in food and what exactly do they do?

Since the 1950’s, the FDA has been using a steroid hormone that consists of natural estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and their synthetic counterparts. The purpose of growth hormones is to increase the animals growth rate and efficiency, so companies can have a faster turnover to get more food in a shorter amount of time. Growth hormones are approved for use in dairy cows, poultry, pigs, and veal. The animals only get a very minimal amount of growth hormone treatment, so that we won’t be at risk of altered hormones.

Let’s note that if we consume animal products, there is no such thing as “hormone-free” because as animals, we all have hormones in our bodies.

There are natural hormones found in foods too, especially dairy. With the added steroids on top of the hormones in cows for dairy, it may have effects on humans. Since this is so new, research is not conclusive to state whether or not this affects humans. However, the hormone used on dairy cows, called rbGH hormone, does not work on humans. Evidence available so far shows that there are no effects to human health with the hormones added to meat or dairy. The good thing is that the FDA sets maximum levels for these hormones that are permitted in or on food, so that the possibility of side effects from eating these products are slim to none.

On the other hand, It has been suspected that steroid hormones in food were suspected to contribute to early puberty in girls but, studies have not tested this yet. If you are at a perinatal or pubertal period of your life, you can choose to pay more attention to this if you choose but research has not been conclusive.

Okay so if I do want to pay attention to growth hormones in food, what should I do?

If you want to watch out for the extra hormones that beef and dairy may have in them, then choose a package that claims to have “ no added hormones administered” or “Raised without added hormones”. Beef labeled “organic” is not allowed to have hormones added to it. The downsides to choosing hormone free products is that they will cost more. If you are seeing a major shift in your body and suspect it is from the added growth hormones, then seek help from a dietitian like us and if you find that limiting foods with hormones added to them is beneficial, then stick with that!