Pregnancy is a crucial check point in human physiology. Every food item consumed has the ability to affect pregnancy outcomes positively or negatively. Previous literature have revealed association of exposure to phthalates with cardiometabolic risk factors in children and adolescents.

What was the background of pregnant women under study? How was the data collected?

The study included a socioeconomically diverse sample of 1031 pregnant women from the Conditions Affecting Neurocognitive Development and Learning in Early Childhood (CANDLE) Study. The participants’ dietary intake of ultra-processed foods and urinary phthalate metabolites were measured in the second trimester. A 10% higher dietary intake of ultra-processed foods was associated with 13.1% higher molar sum concentrations of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate metabolites (ΣDEHP). Conversely, a 10% higher consumption of minimally-processed foods was associated with lower ΣDEHP concentrations.

The study uses data from the Norwegian Biomonitoring Study and EuroMix project. Examination of phthalate concentrations in urine samples and exposure sources from food and personal care products. The analysis also considers dietary patterns and phthalate concentrations among Chinese pregnant women. Secondly, the dietary contribution of ultra-processed foods and urinary concentrations of phthalates in the US population.

🔶 Ultra-processed foods constituted a significant proportion of participants’ diets. It was associated with higher molar sum concentrations of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate metabolites (ΣDEHP) in urine.

🔶Conversely, higher consumption of minimally-processed foods was associated with lower ΣDEHP concentrations.

🔶 Higher ΣDEHP levels were associated with consumption of individual ultra-processed foods such as hamburgers/cheeseburgers, French fries, sodas, and cakes.

🔶 Higher income and education levels were associated with lower ΣDEHP, mediated via decreased ultra-processed food consumption.

🔶 Ultra-processed food consumption partially mediates the relationship between lower socioeconomic status and higher phthalate exposures during pregnancy.

🔶 Additionally, association of consumption of ultra-processed foods and individual fast-food items, with higher urinary phthalate concentrations were observed.

🔶The study acknowledged limitations such as potential misreporting errors in self-reported dietary intake.

🔶 The paper provides a preliminary analysis of phthalate and novel plasticizer concentrations in food items.

🔶Specific ultra-processed food items such as hamburgers/cheeseburgers, French fries, sodas, and cake were associated with higher ΣDEHP.. Additionally, exploratory factor analysis identified a healthy dietary pattern linked to lower urinary phthalate concentrations. Lower income and education levels were associated with higher ΣDEHP due to increased consumption of ultra-processed foods.

🔶 Critical policy reforms are needed to protect children’s brain development from the neurotoxicity of ortho-phthalates

🔶The concerning issue is the migration of plasticizers from PVC gaskets of lids for glass jars into oily foods.

🔶 Adults exhibit inherent variability in urinary concentrations of metabolites of diethyl phthalate and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate.

🔶The research findings reveal significant associations between the intake of ultra-processed foods and increased phthalate concentrations.

🔶Specifically, the study identifies a link between food processing and phthalate exposure, with implications for public health policies.

🔶The paper suggests that dietary guidelines need to account for the use of ultra-processed foods.

🔶There is need to consider the impact of dietary patterns on exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, particularly among pregnant women.

Implications of High Ortho-phthalates During Pregnancy

The research highlights the relationship between ultra-processed food intake and phthalate exposures. It is need of the hour that public health policies address the potential health risks associated with consuming such foods. The findings underscore the importance of further research. Additionally, interventions to mitigate the adverse effects of phthalate exposure, especially during pregnancy. The findings suggest the need for policy reforms to reduce dietary phthalate exposures, especially from food packaging, and highlight the potential impact of dietary choices during pregnancy on phthalate exposures.