Consuming fatty foodstuffs is known to cause problems and could consequently increase cholesterol levels among humans. Experts share that kids and youngsters with elevated blood levels of chemicals used in the production of non-stick cookware and waterproof fabrics may seemingly be more likely to increase total and LDL cholesterol levels.
People are often exposed to the man-made compounds known as perfluoroalkyl acids which include perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). This is mainly found in drinking water, dust, food packaging, breast milk, cord blood, microwave popcorn, air and occupational exposure. A national survey result reported detection of PFOA and PFOS in almost all samples of human serum.
Perfluoroalkyl acids are apparently used during the manufacture of fluoropolymers, which puts forth non-stick heat resistance to cookware and breathable, waterproof properties to fabrics and upholstery. PFOA and PFOS appears to be obtained from the breakdown of compounds which may be utilized as coating for commercial food packaging, factory treatments for fabrics and carpets, and manufacturer pre-treatment for stain-resistant clothing.
Animal analyses have highlighted the liver as the main organ affected by perfluoroalkyl acid exposure and may have possible effects among human including changes in cholesterol levels. Scientists evaluated serum lipid levels among 12,476 children and adolescents who were enlisted in the C8 Health Project this project apparently resulted from the settlement of a class-action lawsuit regarding PFOA contamination of the drinking water supply in the mid-Ohio River Valley.
Previously in 2005 or 2006, children and teens submitted blood samples. Experts observed that average PFOA concentration was 69.2 nanograms per milliliter and average PFOS concentration was 22.7 nanograms per milliliter. They also identified that among 12 to 19 year old individuals the PFOA concentrations were greater than those detected in a nationally representative survey. However, PFOS concentrations were observed to be similar.
“The non-linear nature of the observed associations, particularly for PFOA, suggests a possible saturation point in an underlying physiologic mechanism,” the authors remarked. “PFOA and PFOS specifically, and possibly perfluoroalkyl acids as a general class, appear to be associated with serum lipids, and the association seems to exist at levels of PFOA and PFOS exposure that are in the range characterized by nationally representative studies.”
Investigators modified related variables and shared that greater PFOA levels were apparently linked with augmented total cholesterol and LDL or unwanted cholesterol. In addition, PFOS was seemingly allied with increased total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and HDL or desirable cholesterol. They revealed that there was no relation between both compound and triglyceride levels.
Authors commented, “Should the association prove to be etiologic, the cumulative effects of such an elevation in cholesterol on long-term cardiovascular health are unclear given the early age at which these associations were observed.”
Around one-fifth of children and teens who showed higher PFOA levels also highlightd total cholesterol levels of 4.6 milligrams per deciliter higher and LDL cholesterol levels of 3.8 milligrams per deciliter. This appears to be higher than one-fifth with the lowest PFOA levels. Scientists identified that there was an average difference of 8.5 milligrams per deciliter in total cholesterol levels and 5.8 milligrams per deciliter in LDL cholesterol levels between the one-fifth of participants with the highest and lowest PFOS levels. These findings underline the relation between PFOA and PFOS and enhanced cholesterol levels.
These findings were published in the September issue of Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine.