Exposure to bisphenols, parabens, and benzophenones in colostrum breast milk of Panamanian women: A pilot study from the PA-MAMI cohort

Background: Breast milk is the optimal source of nutrition for infants but can also expose them to endocrine- disrupting chemicals (EDCs), among other environmental contaminants. Aim: To determine concentrations of non-persistent phenolic EDCs (three bisphenols, four parabens [PBs], and six benzophenones [BPs]), in colostrum samples from Panamanian mothers and to examine associated reproductive, sociodemographic, and life-style factors. Methods: Dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction was used to measure concentrations of bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol F (BPF), bisphenol S (BPS), methyl- (MeP), ethyl- (EtP), propyl- (n-PrP), and butyl-paraben (n-BuP), and benzophenones BP-1, BP-2, BP-3, BP-6, BP-8, and 4-hydroxy-BP in colostrum milk samples from 36 mothers. An ad hoc questionnaire was used to collect data on potential influentially variables, and multiple linear and logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results: Two or more tested EDCs were detected in 36 colostrum samples (100 %), at least four in 14 samples (38.9 %), and at least six in 4 samples (11.1 %). The most frequently detected compounds were BPA (91.7 %), BP- 8 (63.9 %), MeP (47.2 %), and BPF (41.7 %). The median concentration was 3.45 ng/mL for BP-8 and 1.37 ng/ mL for BPA. No concentrations of n-PrP, BP-1, BP-6, or 4-hydroxy-BP were detected. Associations were observed between phenolic EDC concentrations and maternal place of residence, consumption frequency of poultry, fish, fresh cheese, fruit, yogurt and chocolate, intake of nutritional supplements, and application of some personal care products. Conclusions: Bisphenols, parabens, and benzophenones were widely present in colostrum milk samples from Panamanian women. Preventive measures are needed to maximize the benefits of breastfeeding.