Phtalatians are a widely used group of plasticizers, present in many cosmetic and personal care products, such as shampoos, soaps and detergents, as well as in the plastic containers of food and drinks. Previous research has shown that phthalates – endocrine disruptive – can affect hormones and have already documented many health and babies’ health effects.
This new research shows that the mother’s exhibition to these phthalates Present in daily products therefore has a negative impact on the development of the newborn.
The studythe first to explore and demonstrate the influence of prenatal and maternal exposure to phthalates,
On the baby’s metabolism after birth,
reveals that:
- prenatal blood levels of the mother’s phthalates during pregnancy are associated with a decrease in the levels of precursors of key neurotransmitters (linked to the metabolism of tyrosine and tryptophan), significant neurotransmitters for cerebral development, in the blood of the newborn shortly after birth;
- High prenatal levels of phthalates are associated with biological changes linked to a decrease in scores of certain cognitive functions, including information processing, attention, and awakening in newborns.
These results suggest that the mother’s exposure to phthalates during pregnancy can influence the metabolism of the newborn shortly after birth. In addition, exposure to phthalates during pregnancy could also have lasting effects on the brain development of the infant.
“We note that once exposed to phthalates, pregnant women” see “these chemicals enter their organism and disturb their metabolism but also metabolism and the neurocomptal functioning of their baby. These substances persist in the organism of the newborn well after birth, resulting in signs of biological disturbance, with an additional impact on the neurological system ”, conclude the researchers.