Pregnancy and asacol

Hello all.

I have been following the conversations re. the entric coating of asacol (DBP and its metabolite) and pregnancy.

Actually, I became aware of the possible (though not well researched) issues related to DBP and fetal development shortly after my second pregnancy and while breastfeeding - about 2 years ago - after having used asacol throughout both of my pregnancies/breastfeeding. So here it is:

I have always been aware of the possible dangers of phthalates and so when I discovered that they were in the coating of asacol I looked further into the issue. DBP is what they call an endocrine disruptor - in essence it effects hormone production. It is similar to BPA in its effects (do you remember all the "baby bottle" news a few years ago?). Anyhow, it POSSIBLY has many different effects on a developing fetus including: neurological (cognitive and behavioral) as well as physiological (changes to the reproductive system- particularly in boys)....that is making it simple. If you google "phthalates and fetal development" you will get preliminary studies on the subject.....one interesting one I just read sites the possible protective effects of supplementing with fish oil during pregnancy.

HOWEVER, while there is reason to continue to research, there is still no clear understanding of, or relationship between, DBP and problems with fetal development. Think of the difficulty of such a study when you have to control for so many other possible factors, or even just environmental toxins, that may impact development (air pollution, other plastics, pesticides and on and on)

Anyhow, some reassurance to those worried about their own pregnancies. I was so worried when I read all this info. I still worry a bit and have been reluctant to engage in these threads because of wanting to avoid my own fears. But both my little boys (and boys can be effected more severely) are seemingly normal, well adjusted little people, with penises in tact :) My oldest started preschool this past year and all the reports back from his teachers re. behavior and cognitive development are positive. There is ALOT that goes into making a little person and one toxic ingredient is just a drop in the bucket really. Keeping everything as "clean" as possible will go a long way.....and then there is all you do as a parent after they arrive that helps or hinders.

Jo

Verrrry last thought. The other thing to do is avoid other products that contain phthalates. The two biggies that come to mind are cosmetics (go bare or go natural - they often contain a lot of DBP) and the lining of cans (this is BPA a different phthlate from the one in asacol but also an endocrine disruptor). If you are like me and you used canned tomatoes, buy Muir Glen, their cans are BPA free. Eden organics also sells BPA free canned beans.