Is There a Link Between Apeel and Cavities?

Recently, the FDA approved the use of Apeel for organic produce.

This decision has created an uproar within the organic community, which strongly opposes Apeel Sciences and its products.

On Apeel’s website, we find the following explanation of their coatings:

Regardless of whether you agree or disagree with these ingredients, I can’t help but question:

• Why are there two versions of the product?

• Is Organipeel safer or better than Edipeel?

• If so, why not use Organipeel for everything?

It’s important to note that while Apeel claims to “improve” the freshness of produce, we cannot predict whether all nutrients remain intact over time—regardless of how fresh the fruit appears on the shelf.

A recent study reminds us that:

We live in a society where food has already lost much of its nutritional value. The principal causes of nutrient decline include:

• Soil degradation

• Development of high-yield crop varieties

• Agricultural commercialization

• Synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides

• Irrigation practices and technology use

• Introduction of GMOs

• Air and water pollution

• Global warming and ozone depletion

• Elevated CO₂ concentrations

According to the University of California at Davis, once a fruit or vegetable is harvested and cut off from its nutrient source (plant, vine, or tree), nutrient degradation may occur.

How does this relate to cavities?

Cavities are not simply the result of skipping brushing, flossing, or fluoride use. They are multifactorial and often rooted in the body’s inability to remineralize teeth.

Here are some contributing factors:

• Mouth breathing

• Fermentable simple carbohydrates

• Low pH (acidic mouth)

• Poor oral microbiome

• Nutrient-poor diet

• Low nutrient absorption in the gut

Let’s dive deeper into nutrient-poor diets:

We already live in a world where foods are less nutritious than they used to be. This means we would need to eat more food to get the same nutrients as before. Instead, we’re eating more processed foods, which unfortunately feed cavity-causing bacteria.

If Apeel allows produce to last longer on shelves but nutrients continue to degrade, then logically, we may be consuming even less nutritious produce than before.

This could indirectly link Apeel to an increased risk of cavities and other health issues.

But what do you think? Do you agree or disagree? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Resources:
Bhardwaj RL, Parashar A, Parewa HP, Vyas L. An Alarming Decline in the Nutritional Quality of Foods: The Biggest Challenge for Future Generations' Health. Foods. 2024 Mar 14;13(6):877

True wellness starts in your mouth.
Dr. Norma Cortez
Your Biological & Airway Dentist