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Filed Under Articles, Phthalates Info

Just when you think you’ve got it covered in terms of avoiding phthalates, you find out there’s something else to worry about (seriously, is there anything that doesn’t have phthalates or BPA?).

An article via the Daily Green reports of a new study that found over the counter tablets contain enough phthalates to increase your level 100 times over, before it’s quickly metabolized by the body:

The protective layer that coats the outside of drug capsules contains enough of a phthalate to drive levels in those taking the drugs above the daily intake limits designated by food regulatory agencies in Europe.

While the phthalate and its breakdown products leave the body within one to three days, longterm use could keep their levels elevated and raise the risk of health effects associated with the endocrine disruptors. Taking phthalates out of medicines would limit exposure, say the study’s authors.

The protective layer that coats the outside of drug capsules contains enough of a phthalate to drive levels in those taking the drugs above the daily intake limits designated by food regulatory agencies in Europe.

Read the entire article over at The Daily Green.

First of all, one to three days is not exactly what I would call “quickly” in my book. Three days is a mini-vacation (which naturally seems to fly by, but we’re talking about toxic chemicals here). Like the article states, long term exposure is what could lead to problems.

Why do we even need a plastic coating on pills?

EDIT: It’s important to note that many vitamins and and gel style pills are coated or encased with a gelatin based product if anything at all. However if you are not sure about a particular brand of vitamin or medication you are taking, call the number of the manufacturer and ask. It can’t hurt for a little peace of mind.

Posted by: Statia on July 23, 2009

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Comments

2 Responses to “Phthalates in pills? What’s next?”

Deanna on July 24th, 2009 2:30 am

Why do we even need a plastic coating on pills? Great question! We don’t and who thought that we did? I am really starting to feel deceived and cheated out of having a healthy life and healthy planet. What is going on that this has gotten so out of hand and our governments have let it get there? I didn’t even realize that was plastic, I thought it was a gelatin base. I can’t even find a mass produced baby doll for my daughter that doesn’t contain some kind of weird, phthalate, pvc or some mystery stabilizer with its own problems yet to be discovered. I know that there are dolls you can special order and I am all over it, but why should I have to do that? Why aren’t even simple toys that are accessible to everyone risk free? This stuff is everywhere and in everything, crazy, I hope that in the future we can just get rid of plastic altogether.
Leona on July 24th, 2009 3:05 pm

How about vitamins? Do they have a plastic coating too????? When you think you are doing something healthy and you find out you are doing just the opposite… what about maternity vitamins? Wow.