According to a recent review published by Current Environmental Health Reports, a healthy diet that includes vitamins and minerals (known collectively as micronutrients) may lessen the health effects of some toxic endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs).
In short:
- Of the 71 studies reviewed, a majority suggested that higher levels of at least one micronutrient mitigated the link between EDC exposure and health impacts.
- Micronutrients help support healthy cellular function, and therefore may counteract EDC impacts tied to oxidative stress, hormone interference, and disrupted gene expression.
- However, the study authors noted that few of the studies reviewed showed an overlap in findings, and many only examined exposure during pregnancy.
Key quote:
“Limiting exposure to EDCs remains a significant challenge due to their widespread uses and persistence in the environment. Adequate micronutrient status supports optimal health and may offer actionable strategies for mitigating the adverse health effects of EDCs.”
Why this matters:
Endocrine disrupting chemicals have been linked with a wide range of severe health impacts, including (but not limited to) cancers, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease, neurotoxicity, and reproductive issues. The use of EDCs in consumer products is so ubiquitous, that in some cases, it’s essentially impossible for individuals to completely control their own exposure. While articles such as this show that people may have the ability to lessen their exposure through dietary and lifestyle choices, research has shown that regulatory and policy interventions are more effective, more consistent, and have a more widespread impact than strategies that put the burden on individual consumers to protect themselves.
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