Little-Known Chemicals and Your Baby's Growth

Chemicals called PFAS are everywhere. They are in our water, food, and even the air. These chemicals are known as endocrine disruptors. This means they mess with the body's hormones. They can cause problems for growing kids, especially in the first two years of life. One way babies get these chemicals is through breast milk. This might sound scary, but breast milk is still the best food for babies. The problem is that PFAS can also come from formula milk. So, babies who are formula-fed might get more of these chemicals. PFAS can affect how a baby's body grows and how it uses energy. They might change the hormones that control hunger and fullness. This can lead to eating problems. But scientists are still trying to figure out exactly how this happens.Researchers looked at different feeding types: exclusive breastfeeding, exclusive formula feeding, and mixed feeding. They checked the babies' hormones and eating habits. They also measured the PFAS levels in the babies' blood. The goal was to see if there was a link between PFAS, hormones, and eating behavior. The results showed that PFAS might indeed affect how babies eat and grow. But more research is needed to fully understand this. It's important to remember that while PFAS are a concern, they are just one factor among many that can affect a baby's growth and health.