Concentrations of Phthalate Metabolites in Milk, Urine, Saliva, and Serum of Lactating North Carolina Women
2009

Phthalate Metabolites in Milk and Body Fluids of Lactating Women

Sample size: 33 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Hines Erin P., Calafat Antonia M., Silva Manori J., Mendola Pauline, Fenton Suzanne E.

Primary Institution: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Hypothesis

What are the concentrations of oxidative monoester phthalate metabolites in milk and surrogate fluids of lactating women?

Conclusion

Phthalate metabolites are most frequently detected in the urine of lactating women and are less often found in serum, milk, or saliva.

Supporting Evidence

  • Phthalate metabolites were detected in urine of over 85% of samples.
  • MECPP was detected in more than 80% of serum samples.
  • Very few milk samples contained detectable phthalate metabolites.

Takeaway

This study looked at how much of certain chemicals called phthalates are found in the milk and other fluids of breastfeeding moms. They found that these chemicals are mostly in urine and not much in milk.

Methodology

The study analyzed serum, saliva, urine, and milk for phthalate metabolites using isotope-dilution high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectroscopy.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in self-reported questionnaire data regarding exposure.

Limitations

The study had a small sample size and focused on a specific population, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.

Participant Demographics

Lactating women from North Carolina, aged 18 to 38.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1289/ehp.11610

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