Protective Effects of Polyphenols Against Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are a heterogenous group of compounds dispersed throughout the environment that possess the ability to alter endocrine system function. While there are numerous routes of exposure to EDCs, the predominant source of many of these compounds is diet, largely due to their widespread use in food contact materials. In recent years, there has been a surge of research aimed at assessing exposure to EDCs, identifying their health implications, and developing approaches to minimize the risks they may entail. Due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential, polyphenols have been purported to confer protection against EDC-induced health detriments. This review discusses the evidence pertaining to dietary exposure to the two predominant EDCs, bisphenol A and phthalates, in the United States, their associations with diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease outcomes, the potential for polyphenols to mitigate their disease-promoting effects, gaps in knowledge, and recommendations for future research.