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Fake Estrogen and Children: What Parents Should Know - Henlus - 10-04-2025
Estrogen is a hormone. Hormones play a big role in how children grow and develop. But many everyday products we use at home contain chemicals that can mimic estrogen in the body. These are called xenoestrogens or “fake estrogens.”
While adults are also exposed, children are more vulnerable because their hormone systems are still developing. That means even small amounts of these chemicals can have long-term effects.
Where Fake Estrogen Comes From
In Nigeria, just like in many other countries, products that families use every day may contain xenoestrogens. Common sources include:
Plastics: feeding bottles, food containers, cheap water bottles, soft drink bottles (especially if exposed to sun or heat).
Baby and kids’ items: plastic toys, teethers, nipples, and pacifiers not labelled BPA-free or phthalate-free.
Cosmetics and skincare: soaps, creams, lotions, and hair products with preservatives like parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben).
Canned foods: some cans have linings made with bisphenols.
Pesticides and cleaning chemicals: residues from farms and household sprays can also act like hormone disruptors.
Possible Effects on Children
Fake estrogens interfere with the natural hormone system (endocrine system). For children, this may lead to:
Early or delayed puberty
Disrupted growth and development
Hormone imbalance later in life
Increased risks of fertility problems or hormone-related diseases
Safer Choices Available in Nigeria
The good news is that safer products are available if you know what to look for. Here are some examples:
Baby Feeding Bottles
Dr. Brown’s Options+ Anti-Colic BPA-Free Plastic Bottle
Medela Breast Milk BPA-Free Bottles
Chicco Perfect 5 Eco+ BPA-Free Bottle
Comotomo Baby Bottle (made mostly of silicone)
Farlin Anti-Colic Glass Baby Bottle
Parents Choice Standard Neck Bottles (polypropylene, BPA & phthalate-free)
Cosmetics
Alaia Cosmetics Keratin Plus Leave-In (paraben-free)
Check labels for “paraben-free” and avoid ingredients like methylparaben or propylparaben.
Better Materials
Choose glass, stainless steel, or silicone over plastic when possible.
Go for natural oils and butters in skincare instead of chemical-heavy products.
What Parents Can Do
Read labels carefully: Look for “BPA-free,” “Phthalate-free,” and “Paraben-free.”
Don’t heat food in plastic: use glass or ceramic instead.
Store safely: avoid leaving bottled water or baby bottles in hot sun.
Wash fruits and vegetables well to reduce pesticide residues.
Ask questions: if you’re unsure about a product, contact the seller or manufacturer.
Final Word
Fake estrogens may be invisible, but their effects are real. Protecting children from unnecessary exposure is possible with a little extra care in choosing what they eat from, drink from, and what goes on their skin.
Small changes—like switching to glass bottles, paraben-free creams, or simply reading labels—can make a big difference in safeguarding children’s health for the future.