Question: Help, I’ve been using polycarbonate bottles for my baby and have just found out about BPA. What can I do?
Answer
Many mums are concerned that their child may have been exposed to the chemical BPA in plastic baby bottles. Fortunately scientists are researching how to block the potential damage done by BPA.
Preliminary research from Duke University in the US indicates that folate (found in most green leafy vegetables (such as spinach) and genistein (found in legumes like soy) can block BPA damage.
What is BPA?
BPA is a chemical estrogen found in hard plastics and in the lining of many food tins. BPA used in plastic bottles and other dish wear can leach into food or drink when it is heated. Recent studies in animals show that even small amounts can be linked to health problems including obesity, cancer and early puberty.
Read the following posts on BPA free baby bottles and BPA free weaning equipment or download UK BPA Free Baby Bottle Comparison Table (415) for more information.
Blocking BPA Damage
The researchers have found that they can block BPA damage by giving pregnant animals extra folate or genistein. BPA affects the epigentics in offspring, turning on and off diferent genes, resulting in health problems. The nutrients in folate or genistein nullify these effects by switching the genes back. Although the research is preliminary the evidence is compelling that certain nutrient can counteract BPA when given during pregnancy. Based on this, the researchers propose that these nutrients may also block the effects of chemical estrogen exposures if given in childhood an possible even in adulthood.
Eat Green Leafy Vegetables
Folate or folic acid is an important nutrient that we get from our food every day because our body cannot make it. It is recommended in pregnancy because it helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida in unborn babies. It also has a critical role in working together with vitamin B12 to form heathy red blood cells. This research gives us another reason to eat leafy green vegetables. Whilst soy is also thought to have a similar benefit as folic acid, parents should be cautious because soy is known to cause allergies and is not recommended for infant formula unless prescribed by your GP.
Sources of Folic Acid
Folic acid, known as folate in its natural form, is one of the B-group of vitamins. Folate is found in small amounts in many foods. Good sources include;
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Asparagus
- Peas
- Chickpeas
- Brown rice
Download Food Sources of Folate for Pregnancy (167) for information on how to get folic acid into your diet naturally.
Other useful sources include fortified breakfast cereals, some bread and some fruit (such as oranges and bananas.)
References:
Dr Alan Greene, MD, FAAP, What If You Already Used BPA? BPA Protection: Spinach and Soy, 2010 Washington Post, Folate Shields Fetus Against Chemical in Plastics, 2007 Dolinoy, D.C., Huang, D., and Jirtle, R.L. Maternal Nutrient Counteracts Bisphenol-A 2007 FSA, Eat Well Be Well, Folic Acid
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