By Franklin Delgado
Experts from the Endocrine Disruptors Group of the SEEP-GEMASEEN Group of the Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition (SEEN) identified ten guidelines to minimize exposure to dangerous chemicals. These include avoiding plastics in contact with food, reducing consumption of processed products and opting for safe kitchen utensils.
Studies, led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), indicate a correlation between prenatal exposure to endocrine disruptors and an elevated risk of developing metabolic syndrome in childhood and adulthood, reports EFE.
The syndrome includes factors such as belly obesity and insulin resistance, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes.
Associated factors
The analysis involved 1,134 mothers in six European countries, with blood and urine samples collected during pregnancy. Subsequently, the metabolic health of the children between 6 and 11 years old was evaluated, measuring key health indicators.
Researchers found that exposure to certain pollutants, such as heavy metals and PFAS, increases the risk of metabolic syndrome. It was observed that the consumption of large fish is the predominant source of mercury, a metal that affects metabolic health.
Differences by sex
The results of the study show significant differences in the impact of endocrine disruptors depending on the sex of the children.
Girls had stronger associations with PFAS and PCBs, while boys showed greater sensitivity to parabens, evidencing how these compounds affect steroid sex hormones.
The study authors warn of the long-term implications of prenatal exposure to endocrine disruptors. Evidence suggests that this exposure could be an ingredient in the growing rate of metabolic syndrome in the population, which currently affects a quarter of adults.
10 recommendations for pregnant or breastfeeding women
The Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition recommends:
- Avoid plastics that are in contact with food and drinksespecially if they are going to be subjected to heat. Use glass, ceramic, steel or wood utensils and containers.
- Reduce consumption of processed, ultra-processed and canned foods. Prefers fresh, seasonal and local foods.
- Avoid the consumption of large fishdue to the high content of persistent contaminants such as mercury and PCBs.
- Baby tap water if it is of good quality. Failing that, resort to using a approved filter or to glass bottling.
- keep the house without air fresheners or pesticides. Ventilate and clean dust often with water or vacuuming.
- Use hygiene and cosmetic products free of parabens, triclosan, benzophenones and D4 and D5 silicones.
- If you are overweight or obese, it is better lose weight before pregnancy and not during, since many toxic contaminants accumulate in body fat.
- Use non-synthetic fabricssuch as polyester, and little treatedlike cotton. Wash new clothes before wearing them.
- Decrease exposure to paints, sprays and hair dyes.
- Buyto toys without body spray and avoid the plastic toys.
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