Ftalates and pesticides effects in maternal-infant health: a bibliographic review

Abstract

"Due to its nutritional contribution and composition, breast milk is the ideal food for the newborn and up to 6 months of age, however mothers’ exposure to phthalates and pesticides could threaten its benefits; the purpose of this literature review will be to analyze the safety of breast milk after mother exposure to phthalates or pesticides. For this literature review, Clinical Key, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases were consulted, articles in Spanish and English from 2011 to 2021 in humans were included, duplicate studies, studies conducted in animals, theses, case studies, books, guides, letters to the editor and non-relevant articles were excluded; 9657 articles were found, 9593 were eliminated and 64 were included. There is evidence of the transmission of phthalates and pesticides to breast milk; due to their lipophilic capacity they are stored in the mammary glands and are excreted during lactation, their ability to interfere with normal hormonal processes and consequently produce adverse health effects confers them the term endocrine disruptors. Both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have established safety levels for consumption; since their prohibition and awareness of health effects, their use has decreased or has been replaced by other compounds. The articles consulted indicate that despite the identification of pesticides and/or phthalates in breast milk, benefits outweigh health effects. Although more studies are needed to ensure that it remains safe."