Study shows effect of early Bisphenol A exposure on behaviour and function in children

A study published in Pediatrics last year demonstrated that early, fetal exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA) was associated with anxious and depressive behaviour in their children, especially girls.

BPA was measured in urine samples of 244 mothers at 16 and 26 weeks of gestation and then in their children and 1, 2 and 3 years of age. Behavior and executive function were measured by using the Behavior Assessment System for Children 2 (BASC-2) and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Preschool (BRIEF-P).

BPA was detected in >97% of the gestational (median: 2.0 μg/L) and childhood (median: 4.1 μg/L) urine samples. With adjustment for confounders, each 10-fold increase in gestational BPA concentrations was associated with more anxious and depressed behavior on the BASC-2 and poorer emotional control and inhibition on the BRIEF-P. The magnitude of the gestational BPA associations differed according to child gender; BASC-2 and BRIEF-P scores increased 9 to 12 points among girls, but changes were null or negative among boys. Associations between childhood BPA exposure and neurobehavior were largely null and not modified by child gender.

The researchers concluded that gestational BPA exposure affected behavioral and emotional regulation domains at 3 years of age, especially among girls. Clinicians may advise concerned patients to reduce their exposure to certain consumer products, but the benefits of such reductions are unclear.

Clincians have a further option, to screen for BPA exposure for patients in that population group using the Metametrix Bisphenol A Urine Profile. This profile is available in the UK and Europe from Nutrition Geeks, please contact us at www.nutritiongeeks.co.uk for further information.

Study: Impact of Early-Life Bisphenol A Exposure on Behavior and Executive Function in Children, Braun et al 2011 Pediatrics Vol. 128 No. 5 November 1, 2011
pp. 873 -882 (doi: 10.1542/peds.2011-1335)

Angela Walker BSc Nut Med mBANT CNHC registered

Technical Advisor, Nutrition Geeks

Clinician under the Spotlight: Sue Simmons

Our first featured clinician for 2012 is Sue Simmons, a Nutritional Therapist and Autism specialist.

NG: Tell us a bit about yourself: how long have you been in practice, where did you train?

SS: I’ve been in practice as a Nutritional Therapist for 8 years and have specialised in the field of children and young adults with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) for the last 5 years.  I did my Nutritional Therapy training with Plaskett Nutritional Medicine College which became part of Thames Valley University.  I then went across the to US for 3 years running to do the Defeat Autism Now! Clinician’s training and to attend their annual conference.

NG: What was the first lab test you ran and what did you learn from it?

SS: My first experience of a lab test was as a consumer when a practitioner I consulted regarding my son suggested a Mineral Sweat Patch test to identify mineral deficiencies.  My son was diagnosed with Autism in 1996 and it was his positive reaction to dietary changes that led me to study Nutritional Therapy; I needed to learn more to understand how to help him.

NG: What’s your favourite test panel and why?

I’ve always used comprehensive stool analysis with parasitology with my patients but have recently been converted to the benefits of the DNA analysis used in Metametrix Gastrointestinal Effects Profile.  Many ASD children are non-verbal or have limited speech and understanding of questions, so functional testing is essential.

NG: Is there one intervention, dietary, supplement or lifestyle that you think delivers most change for your clients?

SS: Finding the right therapeutic diet is key, whether it is Gluten/casein/soya/corn Free, Feingold, Specific Carbohydrate, Low oxalate or GAPS.  Supporting the patient’s parent to implement the diet effectively so that it is nutrient rich and avoids preservatives and other undesirable substances is essential.  A lot of the gluten-free products in supermarkets leave a lot to be desired.

NG: Who is your favourite educator or guru in the nutrition or functional medicine field?

SS: In my specialist area, Dr Daniel Goyal is a great educator for parents and practitioners alike.  He is straight talking and is not afraid to ruffle a few feathers.  For me personally, my mentor and fellow Nutritional Therapist, Jean Muscroft has been an inspiration.

NG: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

SS: One of the Defeat Autism Now! Clinician’s training sessions was titled ‘Have I done everything I can for this patient?’ and this phrase has stuck in my mind.  It leads me to review case files and think strategically about my therapy plan for the patient.  It also makes me consider whether it is in the patient’s best interest to refer them to on to another specialist.

NG: What’s the secret of your success?

SS: Having a personal connection with autism makes me passionate about the subject and this motivates me immensely.  I also believe that investing in the very best continuous professional development pays dividends to both your patients and your practice.

NG: How do you switch off after a busy day in clinic?

SS: Going for a run by the river Thames with The Killers playing on my ipod does it everytime.

Find out more about Sue’s work at http://www.elementalnutrition.co.uk