Hormone-Free

Definition

Hormone-free refers to food products, particularly meat and dairy, that do not contain added synthetic hormones, which are often used to promote faster growth in animals.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Hormone-free products are those that haven't been administered synthetic hormones during their production. In agriculture, synthetic hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone are often used to enhance growth rates and increase milk production in livestock. Hormone-free labeling ensures that these growth promoters were not used in raising the animals.

Benefits

• Reduced exposure to synthetic hormones, which some studies suggest may have long-term health impacts.
• A preference for hormone-free foods aligns with a more natural approach to animal farming and food consumption.
• Potentially lower risk of hormone-related side effects in humans.

Examples

• Hormone-free beef
• Hormone-free chicken
• Hormone-free milk

Additional Information

• effects: The consumption of hormone-free meat and dairy eliminates intake of residual synthetic hormones, which some suggest may be linked to hormonal imbalances or health concerns.

Related Terms

• Organic
• Antibiotic-Free
• Grass-Fed
• Pasture-Raised

References

• The Use of Hormones in Food Production
• Do Hormones in Food Affect Human Health?