Phthalates in Breast Milk, Blood, and Urine: Exposure in New Mothers
Author Information
Author(s): Högberg Johan, Hanberg Annika, Berglund Marika, Skerfving Staffan, Remberger Mikael, Calafat Antonia M., Filipsson Agneta Falk, Jansson Bo, Johansson Niklas, Appelgren Malin, Håkansson Helen
Primary Institution: Karolinska Institutet
Hypothesis
Are phthalate diesters and their metabolites suitable biomarkers for assessing perinatal exposure?
Conclusion
Urinary concentrations of phthalate metabolites are more informative than those in breast milk or serum for assessing exposure.
Supporting Evidence
- Phthalate metabolites were detected in urine at concentrations comparable to those from the general population.
- Milk and blood samples had concentrations close to the limit of detection.
- Urinary concentrations of phthalate metabolites were similar to those reported in other populations.
Takeaway
This study looked at how much phthalates are in breast milk, blood, and urine of new mothers, finding that urine is the best way to check for exposure.
Methodology
Samples of breast milk, blood, and urine were collected from 42 Swedish mothers 2-3 weeks after delivery to measure phthalate concentrations.
Potential Biases
Participants were selected from a larger group, which may introduce selection bias due to higher education levels.
Limitations
The study population was small and may not represent the average Swedish woman, and there were potential contamination issues.
Participant Demographics
42 Swedish primipara mothers, median age 29, with 35 nonsmokers and 2 smokers.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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