In order to test whether GMO corn is less healthy compared to corn that has been grown the traditional way, it is necessary to compare the outcomes of consumption of modified and non-modified corn.
In a human nutrition study, there may be two groups – an intervention group consuming GMO corn and a control group consuming traditional corn. Prior to the intervention, the participants of the two groups will be evaluated in terms of their key gastrointestinal indicators.
After some time during which the intervention and control groups have been consuming different types of corn, the secondary assessment will be carried out in order to determine whether the intervention group has suffered any adverse health effects from consuming GMO corn.
Notably, the assessment will look at the signs of stomach disturbances, skin irritation, the flaring up of autoimmune conditions, weight changes, and others.
The real-world problems that can interfere with the proposed design include environmental factors that affect the everyday consumption of foods by the population. The corn may be prepared differently and combined with various types of foods, which may cause irritation or other health issues that have nothing to do with corn per se.
In addition, the research participants may have underlying intolerance to corn which they did not know, which can result in adverse gastrointestinal conditions that are not related to the GMO factors.
Besides, some individuals may consume less corn than others, which is why it is necessary to specify the exact dose of the product to be consumed to ensure the proportionate impact of GMO and non-GMO corn on the organism.
Finally, it is important to consider the fact that some participants may not adhere to the researchers’ specifications.