Organic food has no nutritional advantage to non-organic, study says

A new study has shown that when it comes to nutrition, organic food has no real advantage.

Researchers at Stanford University and the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System found that there were similar vitamin levels in produce that was organically grown and produce that was not.

The study looked at over 200 previous studies to ascertain the benefits of organic foods over so-called conventional foods.

Researchers said they were suprised that the findings did not show more health benefits for organic produce.

"I was absolutely surprised," said Dena Bravata, of Stanford and a doctor, reported CBS News.

"There are many reasons why someone might choose organic foods over conventional foods," from environmental concerns to taste preferences. But when it comes to individual health, "there isn't much difference." said CBS News.

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The study did find far less pesticide residues on non-organic produce.

USA Today reported that despite the lack of significant nutritional differences, residue from pesticides was found on 38 percent of conventional produce, reported USA Today.

Pesticide residue was found on only seven percent of organic produce.

That said, very few showed that the residue exceeded levels recommended by the European Union.

Yet, Reuters said that many of the studies reviewed did not specify exactly what "organic" meant in the first place.