Phthalates
Key Takeaways
- Phthalates are a class of compounds used in plastics, fragrances, food packaging, personal care products, and more.
- They can leach into the environment and our bodies, acting as endocrine disruptors and increasing the risk of reproductive problems, obesity, asthma, ADHD, and even increased mortality from cardiovascular disease.
- Phthalates are pervasive in our food supply, from packaging to processing equipment. Studies show that almost all of us have phthalates in our bodies.
- The body metabolizes phthalates quickly, excreting them in urine, sweat, and feces. Understanding the role that your genetic variants play in phthalate detoxification can help you eliminate them more efficiently.
Table 1: My Genetic Variants
| Gene | RS ID | Your Genotype | Effect Allele | Effect Allele Frequency | Notes About Effect Allele |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GSTP1 | rs1695 | AA | G | 0.32 | Reduced function; slower elimination of phthalates |
| SOD2 | rs5746136 | CC | T | 0.28 | Higher phthalate levels; increased asthma risk |
| CYP2B6 | rs3745274 | TT | T | 0.25 | TT: decreased CYP2B6 enzyme needed for eliminating phthalates |
| GSTM1 | rs366631 | AA | A | 0.78 | AA: deletion (null) GSTM1 gene; Women with phthalate exposure are at a 5-fold increased risk of fibroids. |
| HSPA1L | rs2227956 | AG | G | 0.15 | G/G: decreased HSP70; insulin resistance not tied to phthalate exposure |
| CYP2C9 | rs1799853 | CC | T | 0.1 | Decreased breakdown and clearance of phthalates |
| CYP2C8 | rs11572080 | CC | T | 0.08 | Decreased breakdown and clearance of phthalates |