Pregnancy Concerns

November 25, 2010

An active ingredient found in some toothpaste, soaps, and even mouthwash can apparently disrupt a vital enzyme in pregnancy. Hundreds of household products include triclosan, a chemical commonly used for antibacterial purposes. Now a new University of Florida study shows that triclosan can interfere with estrogen metabolism in women. Estrogen’s a key hormone during pregnancy and controls the way a baby develops many key organs like the brain.

Dr. Margaret James/UF medicinal chemist: “If this process is interrupted then we wonder if that might affect how the fetus develops. There is a chance it may not produce some of the proteins that it should during development. Therefore there might be a chance at either growth retardation or something worse happening to the fetus.”

The liver eliminates most of the triclosan absorbed into people’s body from activities like washing your hands or brushing your teeth. But researchers worry some people can’t get rid of all the amount of the chemical once exposed. Research shows that just a small amount of triclosan can be potentially damaging to a developing baby.

Dr. Margaret James/UF medicinal chemist: “My recommendation would be if someone is pregnant that the best thing would be to avoid plaque reducing toothpastes that has Triclosan in it and also to avoid antibacterial soaps and other products that have Triclosan in it.”

The Food and Drug Administration is currently reviewing triclosan. Researchers say more study is needed to determine the full effects of the substance