Journal Club - Endocrine disrupting chemicals that cause osteoporosis in teen boys

Juvenile osteoporosis is a concern because it strikes when a child is still building up their bone strength. About 90% of bone mass is grown by the time child 18 to 20 years old. Losing bone mass during prime bone-building years can put someone at risk for complications such as fractures.

Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, 2022 endocrine-disrupting chemicals like Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and phthalates may be associated with lower bone mineral density in male teens. This is in accordance to a new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.

The researchers examined urine and blood samples from 453 boys and 395 girls from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and found higher levels of Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and phthalates may be associated with lower bone mineral density in adolescent males. The researchers did not find the same effect in girls.

The researchers concluded that they found an association between certain Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and phthalates and reduced bone mineral density in adolescent males. Because bone accrual primarily occurs during adolescence, if replicated, this finding may have implications for lifelong bone health.