Journal of CardioVascular Insights

Abstract

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) cause approximately 41 million deaths each year, representing 71% of all deaths worldwide. Of these, around 15 million occur prematurely among individuals aged 30–69 years, with over 85% of such deaths taking place in low- and middle-income countries.

The dietary shift toward genetically modified foods (GMFs) is considered a possible risk factor in the rising prevalence of NCDs. While GMFs hold significant potential to address a fundamental human need by boosting the global food supply, they remain a highly debated topic in scientific research due to concerns about their effects on human health.

Objective: The review is intended to critically examine the role of genetically modified foods in the onset and progression of non-communicable diseases.

Method: This narrative review was conducted to critically examine the current evidence on the health effects of genetically modified (GM) foods and their implications for chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). A comprehensive literature search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar to identify relevant publications. The search included articles published in English from January 2000 to December 2025.

Results: This review suggests that long-term consumption of genetically modified foods may be associated with hepatorenal toxicity, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, infertility, allergies, and antibiotic resistance. Proposed mechanisms include oxidative stress, activation of IGF-1/PI3K/AKT (the Insulin-like Growth Factor 1/ phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B) signaling pathway and RAS/MAPK (Rat Sarcoma/ Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase) pathways, pancreatic β-cell damage, and transgenic allergens.

Conclusion: Our review suggested that consuming genetically modified foods may contribute to the development of various non-communicable diseases. Additionally, employing advanced analytical approaches, such as omics technologies, is crucial to gain a comprehensive understanding of their potential health impacts. Further long-term human studies are required.