Is there a link between phthalates and childhood obesity? - 27 April 2009
Phthalates linked with childhood weight gain
A new study has discovered a possible link between phthalates, which are used in some baby bottles and children’s personal care products, and childhood obesity.
The researchers, who studied more than 500 children in and around East Harlem in New York, found that those who weighed more tended to have greater evidence of phthalates in their bodies than lighter children.
Phthalates are used in plastic packaging to make it more pliable and in personal care products to enhance fragrance and dissolve alcohol.
However, there has been concern over the effects they could be having on our bodies for some time. They are a type of endocrine disruptor, which means that they can interfere with the glands and hormones of the body.
The researchers found that those children who weighed the most had the highest levels of phthalate metabolites in their system. These metabolites are the left-overs of chemical reactions which have taken place with phthalates.
The study also revealed that East Harlem children, 40% of whom are overweight or obese, have higher levels of phthalates in their systems than average for an American child.
The scientists have not yet determined that there is a cause and effect relationship between phthalates and childhood obesity but there seems to be some correlation between the two.
The issue will be investigated further as part of a longitudinal study which will follow 100,000 children in America from birth to the age of 21.
In the meantime, one of the lead researchers has recommended that consumers try to reduce their exposure to phthalates as best they can.
This can be achieved, in part at least, by choosing phthalates-free skin care and hair care products. Green People does not use phthalates in any of its organic baby and children’s toiletries, which are also free from chemicals such as Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, parabens and synthetic fragrances.
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phthalates-free organic children’s products now.