Association between Endocrine Disrupting Phenols in Colostrums and Maternal and Infant Health
1Research Center for Cell Fate Control, Sookmyung Women's University College of Pharmacy, Seoul 140-742, Republic of Korea.
International Journal of Endocrinology
|June 6, 2013
Summary
Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure is common in breast milk, potentially impacting infant health. Alkylphenols (APs) were rarely detected, but higher levels in mothers with certain health conditions warrant further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Endocrinology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) like Bisphenol A (BPA) and alkylphenols (APs) pose risks to reproductive health.
- Biomonitoring of EDCs in breast milk is crucial for assessing neonatal exposure and potential health threats.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify Bisphenol A (BPA), nonylphenol (NP), and octylphenol (OP) levels in colostrum.
- To assess the potential health risks of these phenols for breast-fed neonates.
- To identify environmental exposure sources correlated with phenol levels.
Main Methods:
- Colostrum samples from 325 mothers were analyzed for BPA, NP, and OP using LC/MS/MS.
- Questionnaires collected data on maternal health and environmental exposure sources.
- Statistical analysis compared phenol levels between different maternal health groups and exposure factors.
Main Results:
- Median Bisphenol A (BPA) levels in colostrum were 7.8 ng/mL; nonylphenol (NP) and octylphenol (OP) were mostly undetected.
- Elevated total NP levels were observed in mothers with health conditions like toxemia and thyroid disorders (P = 0.02).
- Dairy product intake and detergent use correlated positively with total BPA levels (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Neonates are likely exposed to BPA through colostrum more than NP or OP.
- Continuous biomonitoring is recommended to understand the health risks of these phenols for neonates and mothers.
- Further research is needed to clarify the suspected health risks associated with EDC exposure during pregnancy and infancy.
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