PFAS during pregnancy linked to obesity and heart issues

PFAS during pregnancy linked to obesity and heart issues | Image Credit: © Hunterframe - © Hunterframe - stock.adobe.com.

There is a link between exposure to increased levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) during pregnancy and higher risks of long-term weight gain and heart issues later in life, according to a recent study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.¹

The Endocrine Society defined PFAS as, “manmade chemicals found in food packaging, cookware, clothes, drinking water, personal care products and many other consumer goods.” As endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), they may influence hormones, increasing the risks of obesity, infertility, and cancer.

Participants of the study included 547 pregnant women in their early 30s. The PFAS levels of these women during pregnancy were compared, along with their cardiometabolic health outcomes when aged 50 years.

Increased weight and body fat was reported in women with higher PFAS levels during pregnancy vs those with reduced levels. This may lead to potential obesity and heart health problems later in life among these individuals.

“Our study supports the idea that pregnancy may be a sensitive period of PFAS exposure as it may be associated with long-term weight gain and subsequent adverse cardiometabolic health outcomes in women,” said Jordan Burdeau, PhD, first author of the study.

“Our findings may improve understanding of the effects of PFAS on cardiometabolic health during pregnancy, which in turn may improve early prevention or detection of adverse cardiometabolic health outcomes in women,” Burdeau added.

The study was published online as “Early Pregnancy Plasma Per- and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Maternal Midlife Adiposity."

PFAS have been linked to multiple adverse health outcomes, such as altered cholesterol levels and disrupted thyroid function.² They may also harm liver and kidney function, alter immune response, and increase the risk of ulcerative colitis and birth defects.

Reproductive health is also adversely impacted, and infants are at a risk of decreased birth weight. Additionally, PFAS have been linked to pregnancy-induced hypertension.

Individuals may be exposed to PFAS from drinking water supplies near facilities utilizing chemicals. This includes manufacturing facilities, military bases, and firefighting training facilities. PFAS may also travel across long distances through the air.

In a 2024 report, the Endocrine Society highlighted key data about EDCs.³ Hormones naturally produced by the body are vital for many biological and psychological functions, but EDCs interfere with these functions, leading to disease and possibly death.

Increasing evidence has shown the significant global health burden posed by EDCs, with over 24% of human diseases and disorders linked to environmental factors. These factors are also linked to 80% of the deadliest diseases such as cancer and heart disease.

This data has led multiple scientific and health organizations to call for stronger regulations toward EDCs. However, the gap between scientific data about EDCs and chemical control policies remains lacking. Current regulatory practices do not consider the unique behavior of EDCs, which can alter biological outcomes at extremely low doses.

While EDC exposure can be harmful at any age, the most significant adverse outcomes have been reported during sensitive development periods such as fetal development and pregnancy.

“In a rapidly changing world transformed by climate change, it is especially urgent to address the simultaneous threat of chemical pollution and its adverse impact on endocrine health,” the report stated.

References

1. Pregnant women exposed to PFAS may be at risk for obesity, heart disease later in life. The Endocrine Society. September 5, 2024. Accessed September 4, 2024.
2. PFAS chemicals: EDCs contaminating our water and food supply. The Endocrine Society. Accessed September 4, 2024. https://www.endocrine.org/topics/edc/what-edcs-are/common-edcs/pfas
3. Endocrine disrupting chemicals: Threats to human health. The Endocrine Society. Accessed September 5, 2024. https://www.endocrine.org/-/media/endocrine/files/advocacy/edc-report2024finalcompressed.pdf