An American study has warned of the risks of phthalates, chemical substances that can contaminate ultra-processed foods, during pregnancy.
- Ultra-processed foods may contain phthalates, chemicals from plastic packaging or food packaging.
- Exposure to phthalates can have serious consequences during pregnancy.
- Phthalates can cross the placental barrier and enter the fetal circulation, increasing the risk of premature birth as well as low birth weight.
Biscuits, cereals, cold meats… We find many ultra-processed foods on the shelves of our supermarkets. Consumed in too large quantities or excessively, these products can increase the risk of overweight, obesity, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. And they can also pose a problem in the event of pregnancy.
Phthalates: risks for the fetus and the mother
American researchers have recently focused on the effects of phthalates, chemical substances that can contaminate industrial or fast-food foods, on pregnant women. They can spread there from packaging, packaging and sometimes even plastic gloves worn by people handling food. This work was published in the journal Environmental International.
The presence of phthalates in ultra-processed products can in particular have serious consequences during pregnancy, according to the study. These chemicals can induce oxidative stress and an inflammatory cascade in the fetus. “When mothers are exposed to these chemicals, they can cross the placenta and enter the fetal circulation.”alerted Doctor Sheela Sathyanarayana, lead author, pediatrician and researcher at the Children’s Research Institute in Seattle (United States).
Furthermore, a previous study published in The Lancet, indicated that one in ten premature births is linked to the exposure of pregnant women to phthalates. These substances could also increase the risks of low weight at birth. birth as well as neurodevelopmental disorders (autism, ADHD), according to the new research.
Ultra-processed foods and phthalates: how to reduce exposure during pregnancy?
In the new study, scientists analyzed data from a cohort, which included 1,031 pregnant women living in Memphis, Tennessee, recruited between 2006 and 2011. For measuring phthalate levels, they used samples from urine collected during the second trimester of pregnancy.
According to the results, ultra-processed foods represented 10% to 60% of the participants’ diet, or 38.6% on average. The study then found that every 10% more ultra-processed foods in the diet was associated with a 13% higher concentration of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, one of the the most common and harmful phthalates.
To prevent exposure to these harmful substances and its consequences, researchers therefore recommended avoiding, as much as possible, ultra-processed foods, and favoring fruits, vegetables and lean meats. Reading labels also helps limit exposure to phthalates. “Look for products with the lowest number of ingredients and make sure you understand them all”advised Doctor Sheela Sathyanarayana in a communicated.