BPA
Bisphenol A - endocrine-disrupting chemical that mimics estrogen and blocks vitamin D receptor function.
Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical used in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. It is one of the highest-volume chemicals produced worldwide and is ubiquitous in the environment. BPA is an established endocrine disruptor with estrogenic and anti-androgenic activity.
BPA binds to estrogen receptors (both alpha and beta), mimicking estrogen effects. It also blocks androgen receptors, inhibits thyroid function, and disrupts pancreatic beta-cell function. Notably, BPA inhibits vitamin D receptor (VDR) signaling, potentially explaining some of its metabolic effects.
Health associations
reproductive abnormalities (reduced fertility
early puberty)
obesity and metabolic syndrome
type 2 diabetes
cardiovascular disease
neurological effects (behavior
cognition)
potentially cancer (breast
prostate).
Sources of exposure
plastic food containers (especially when heated)
canned food linings (major source)
thermal receipt paper
dental sealants
water bottles.
BPA-free products often contain related bisphenols (BPS, BPF) with similar endocrine-disrupting properties.
Minimizing exposure
avoiding plastic food containers (use glass or stainless steel)
not heating food in plastic
reducing canned food consumption
declining receipts or handling briefly
filtering drinking water.
BPA is metabolized and excreted relatively quickly (half-life ~6 hours), so reducing exposure promptly lowers body burden.
Metabolic Connections
BPA connects to 1 other pathways.
