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Reading 2 mins.
in collaboration with
Dr Odile Bagot (Gynecologist-obstetrician)
Medical validation:
February 25, 2023
According to researchers, pollutants PFAS, these chemical compounds invisible, odorless and yet very toxic, would modify the levels of thyroid hormones in the youngest.
Found in a wide range of consumer products, PFAS are toxic and nearly indestructible chemicals. However, according to a study published on February 22 in the journal Environmental Health Perspectivesthese toxins would disrupt the metabolism of lipids and amino acids, but would also alter the function of thyroid hormones.
Many PFAS detected in blood
To understand the effects of PFAS, the research team used blood samples taken from 312 overweight adolescents and 137 children.
Plasma PFAS and the metabolome (the complete set of small molecules present in a cell) were determined by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry – an analytical method that can identify and quantify many substances .
Important point: if researchers have focused on such young populations, it is because they are going through critical stages of development “which may make them more susceptible to the effects of PFAsS”. This is also a time when many serious illnesses can begin to develop.
Diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease
Following the tests, the researchers discovered that the children and adolescents had a “mixture of several PFAS” in their blood: PFOS, PFHxS, PFHpS, PFOA and PFNA.
In total, more than 98% of the candidates were contaminated by these toxic substances.
However, according to the study, these would modify the way in which the body metabolizes lipids and amino acids as well as the levels of thyroid hormones (hormones which play an important role in the development of the child and which affect many vital body functions).
An alteration of thyroid hormones, which is not without consequences.
“It can promote the development of a wide range of diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer“, notes the study.
Harmful effects confirmed by Odile Bagot, gynecologist.
“All substances that contain fluorine (PFAS) will compete with iodine at the level of thyroid receptors. This poses a big problem, especially during pregnancy, because the thyroid plays a vital role in the baby’s growth and brain development.“, advances the expert, before adding “Lendocrine disruptors also promote the appearance of autism spectrum disorders, attention disorders with or without hyperactivity, but also depressive disorders in children.”
To prevent these disorders, Dr. Bagot recommends buying iodized salt (a mineral that participates in the synthesis of thyroid hormones) to take before, during and after pregnancy.