Endocrine Disruptors in Baby Formulas: A Literature Review

Abstract

Baby formulas are foods designed and marketed for feeding babies. The use of baby formulas is increasing worldwide due to various reasons. In parallel, there is increasing concern about endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) in baby formulas. EDCs cover a large class of compounds able to interact with the endocrine system. EDCs can disrupt many different hormones, so they are linked to numerous adverse outcomes in human health. Babies are more sensitive to environmental toxins than adults. In this review, the type and amount of some EDCs in the composition of baby formulas in addition to their effects on health are examined. The evaluation of EDCs in baby formulas, which are considered a source for EDCs, has become necessary. Soy-based baby formulas are seen as a source of phytoestrogens for newborns. Organohalogens are high in especially milk-based. Pesticides are generally below the maximum limits. Phthalate levels vary depending on the package content of baby formulas. The phthalate level is higher in formulas with metal packaging. Although bisphenol A (BPA) exposure decreases with the spread of BPA-free packaging, it should be kept in mind that even very low exposures can cause significant health problems. With strict legal regulations, melamine exposure has decreased considerably. Given the susceptibility of babies to EDCs, it is essential to closely monitor the EDCs content of baby formulas.

Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals and Persistent Organic Pollutants in Infant Formulas and Baby Food: Legislation and Risk Assessments

“…Disorders of the reproductive system, abnormalities regarding human puberty [ 9 , 127 , 128 , 129 , 130 ], and the immune system [ 131 , 132 , 133 ] are also reported in the literature. Organohalogens have been identified as hazardous chemicals for human health, and they have been linked with cancer, developmental disorders, hypertension, asthma, metabolic syndromes, and obesity [ 134 , 135 ].…”

Assessing the Risk of Endocrine-disrupting Chemicals in Commercial Baby Formula in Malawi

“…EDCs can stimulate, block, or change natural hormone synthesis, consequently producing false or abnormal signals (UNEP, 2017). EDCs, found in various industries, are persistent in the environment and can be created by burning materials (Braun, 2017;Yesildemir & Akdevelioglu, 2021). Even intentionally engineered chemicals like OCP can pose potential harm (Boué et al, 2018;de Mendonça Pereira et al, 2020).…”

“…Consumption of contaminated baby formulas by the girl child predisposes her to longer menstrual cycles, missed or irregular periods, and abnormal bleeding upon reaching puberty (Encarnação et al, 2019;Predieri & Iughetti, 2022;Hatzidaki et al, 2023;Street et al, 2023). Exposure to biotoxic heavy metals can occur when they leach from printed surfaces or are introduced through manufacturing processes (Jaishankar et al, 2014;McKinlay et al, 2008;Yesildemir & Akdevelioglu, 2021). 2019) highlighted the need for comprehensive risk assessment for EDC safety in Africa through the enactment of laws and enforcement.…”

Current knowledge on the effects of environmental contaminants in early life nutrition

“…In infants, low or high concentrations of compounds cannot be adequately metabolized or excreted due to undeveloped physiology, anatomy, immature metabolizing enzymes and lower capacity to eliminate toxic compounds or because of the high sensitivity of target organs ( 9 , 10 , 16 , 17 ).…”

“…Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have a cumulative toxic effect through the activation of nuclear receptors and by binding different protein receptors, and are limited studies about their presence in breast milk or formulas ( 9 , 16 , 17 ).…”