Reduced Ability to Clear BPA May Prolong Exposure to Toxins, Potentially Impacting Brain Development
A recent study conducted by Rowan University and Rutgers University revealed significant differences in how children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) metabolize bisphenol A (BPA), a common plastic additive, compared to neurotypical children. The researchers analyzed 149 children across three groups—66 with ASD, 46 with ADHD, and 37 neurotypical—and focused on glucuronidation, a process by which the body clears toxins, such as BPA, through urine. They found that children with ASD and ADHD had reduced efficiency in clearing BPA, with a decrease of about 11% for those with ASD and 17% for those with ADHD. This impaired detoxification could result in prolonged exposure to toxic plasticizers like BPA and diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), potentially affecting neuron development and function. The study suggests that genetic mutations may impair the body’s ability to eliminate BPA, adding an environmental layer to the complex causes of neurodevelopmental disorders. While BPA exposure alone is not proven to cause ASD or ADHD, the research highlights the interplay between environmental pollutants and genetic factors in these conditions, raising concerns about the impact of plasticizers on vulnerable populations. These findings underscore the need for further investigation into the role of environmental toxins in neurodevelopment, especially given the rising rates of diagnoses of ASD and ADHD.
