A new UC Berkeley study shows the chemical Bis-Phenol-A (BPA) found in hard plastics alters thyroid hormones which are essential for healthy growth in newborns and children.  This alteration is evident in pregnant women and newborn boys according to the study.  BPA  is widely used in plastic bottles, linings of canned food and beverages, dental sealants and thermal paper commonly used for sales receipts.  BPA has already been linked to increased risk for cardiovascular disease, miscarriages, breast and prostate cancer, and reproductive function.

This is the first study looking at BPA’s effect on thyroid hormone in pregnancy. In the study, 476 pregnant women in Salinas had their BPA levels measured by urine during the first and second half of their pregnancy.  Thyroid levels in blood samples were obtained from the pregnant mothers and newborns within a few days of birth.

The pregnant women with relatively higher levels of BPA in their urine had less thyroid hormone called total thyroxine, or T4, and the newborn boys showed signs of over active thyroid.

2.4 billion pounds of  BPA were produced nationwide in 2007.  90% of  Americans have traces in their urine.  In July of 2012 the US Food and Drug Administration banned BPA from plastic baby bottles and sippy cups.

The best advice from the study’s lead author, Jonathan Chevrier, for pregnant women is to avoid canned foods, baby bottles manufactured before the July FDA’s ban and liquid formula, all of which have been found to contain BPA.

While I know that asking new moms to avoid all baby formula might seem impossible to do, because many women are concerned they are not producing enough milk for their baby, I believe it can be done.  My advice is to seek out a lactation specialist.  Many hospitals have them and there are some independent companies that can provide support to you.  These specialists can help you to make enough milk for your baby so you don’t have to rely on formulas.  And certainly eating healthy Mediterranean diet helps you make a lot of milk.

In  another study published this year on prenatal BPA and effects on child behavior, (basically an inverse correlation), so the higher the BPA levels in the pregnant moms, the worse the behaviors in the kids.  Prenatal Bisphenol A Exposure and Child Behavior.

Earlier this week, researchers at NYU published research in JAMA correlating BPA and obesity.  In this study, it is unclear if there is causation, but what is clear is that if you are obese, then you have more BPA in your body.

On October 4, 2012   /   Detoxification, Pregnancy, Thyroid   /   Leave a comment

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