Human biomonitoring of bisphenol A along pregnancy: An exposure reconstruction of the EXHES-Spain cohort

This study was aimed at reconstructing the exposure to bisphenol (BPA) of 60 pregnant women from the EXHESSpain cohort. A biomonitoring study was conducted by determining BPA levels in urine samples over the three trimesters of pregnancy. Moreover, the correlations between BPA levels and the role of different potential exposure sources, with special emphasis on the dietary intake, were also studied. Urine samples were subjected to dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction and the subsequent analysis via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. BPA was detected in 76% of the urine samples. A significant decrease of urinary BPA levels was observed along pregnancy, as mean concentrations of creatinine-adjusted BPA were 4.64, 4.84 and 2.51 ?g/g in the first, second and third trimester, respectively. This decrease was essentially associated with changes in the dietary habits of the pregnant women, including a lower intake of canned food and drinks. However, the potential role of other pregnancy-related biochemical or physiological factors should not be disregarded. Very interestingly, significant differences in urine BPA levels were found according to the fruit consumption pattern, as women who ate more citrus fruits showed lower BPA concentrations in urine. The reconstructed exposure to BPA was estimated in 0.072, 0.069 and 0.038 ?g BPA/kg of body weight/day in the first, second and third trimesters, respectively. These values are far below the temporary tolerable daily intake (t-TDI) established by the EFSA.

Automated summary

This study aimed to reconstruct the exposure to BPA in 60 pregnant women by analyzing BPA levels in urine samples. The results showed a significant decrease in urinary BPA levels during pregnancy, mainly attributed to changes in dietary habits, particularly reduced intake of canned food and drinks. Interestingly, higher citrus fruit consumption was associated with lower BPA concentrations in urine samples.