Phthalates, a type of endocrine disrupting chemical, were associated with lower vitamin D levels in a recent study of healthy Caucasian women published in Chemosphere.
In short:
- The link between phthalates and low vitamin D levels was “surprisingly strong” compared to other factors that typically predict vitamin D deficiency.
- Vitamin D deficiency is a global health concern that impacts over half of the world and is linked to diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
- The authors suggest that maintaining healthy vitamin D levels may help minimize some harmful effects of phthalate exposure.
Key quote:
“The data here suggests that it is potentially important to further limit exposure to phthalates by avoiding plastic products that contain these chemicals and opting for safer alternatives.”
Why this matters:
Phthalates, like many EDCs, are widely used in consumer products. Studies have linked them with a variety of health risks, including diabetes, fertility issues, reproductive cancers and now vitamin D deficiency. It’s critical that regulators recognize the specific and cumulative health effects of EDCs in order to develop effective regulations and manage global health epidemics.
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