Researchers Discovered Nanoplastics And Forever Chemicals In Both Human Milk And Baby Formula, Sparking Concerns About Infant Health Impacts
The alarming presence of nanoplastics and “forever chemicals” have been detected in human milk and baby formula, and they have also been proven to hamper the function and disrupt the structure of molecules that are important for human development.
The findings have sparked urgent questions and concerns about the impact they have on the health of infants.
Researchers from the University of Texas at El Paso investigated the impacts of plastic compounds on three key molecules in human milk and infant formula. They found that nanoplastics and forever chemicals significantly weakened the function and structure of the proteins.
Plastics and forever chemicals are known as per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances or PFAs for short. More and more of them have been appearing in our everyday environment.
They are frequently discovered in products such as food packaging and baby bottles. These plastic compounds may contaminate the food and liquid inside.
Both chemicals pose a risk to human health and can cause numerous health conditions. PFAs can lead to high cholesterol, high blood pressure, reduced immunity, reproductive issues, and an increased risk of some cancers.
Meanwhile, nanoplastics compromise the natural release of our body’s hormones. They can also contain toxic heavy metals that can infiltrate our organs.
One of the essential proteins in infant development is beta-lactoglobulin. It is found in cow and sheep milk and is often used as an ingredient in baby formula. The protein binds to fatty acids and vitamin A. It is important for vision and brain development.
When exposed to nanoplastics and PFAs, the researchers discovered that the molecule did not bind to fatty acids and vitamin A as well, which could result in major infant developmental issues. In addition, PFAs were able to bind to the protein and travel around the body.
Ivan – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual people
Alpha-lactalbumin is found in human milk and helps with the production of lactose. Nanoplastics and PFAs were found to disrupt the structure of this protein, which could hinder lactose production and lead to reduced immunity and mineral absorption in infants.
Finally, myoglobin exists in the blood and muscles of most mammals. It plays a role in the body’s storage of oxygen.
Nanoplastics and PFAs impede the molecule’s ability to store oxygen, meaning that there is the potential for health issues such as anemia and breathlessness.
“By understanding the molecular mechanisms of how nanoplastics and forever chemicals disrupt cellular functions, scientists can develop safer alternatives to these materials,” said Mahesh Narayan, a professor and fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and chief of the Division of Biochemistry in the university’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. “The insights gained from this research have far-reaching implications.”
The details of the study can be found in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.
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