Background:
Food is indispensable for human life and determines the health and wellbeing
of the consumer. As food is the source of energy for humans, it also emerges as one of the most important
sources of exposure to deleterious chemicals both natural and synthetic. The food exposed chemicals
cause a number of detrimental health effects in humans, with endocrine disruption being of serious
concern amongst these effects. Such chemicals disrupting the health of endocrine system are known as
endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). The food exposed EDCs need to be identified and classified to
effectuate a cautious consumption of food by all and especially by vulnerable groups.
Aim:
The aim of the present review was to discuss food as a source of exposure to common endocrine
disruptors in humans. This review presents the occurrence and levels of some of the critical endocrine
disruptors exposed through frequently consumed diets.
Methods:
The major source of data was PubMed, besides other relevant publications. The focus was
laid on data from the last five years, however significant earlier data was also considered.
Conclusion:
The food as a source of endocrine disruptors to humans cannot be neglected. It is highly
imperative for the consumer to recognize food as a source of EDCs and make informed choices in the
consumption of food items.
Developmental toxicity of endocrine-disrupting chemicals: Challenges and future directions
