Impact of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) Used in the Food Industry on Endocrine Abnormalities

Abstract

The objective of this review was to examine the relationship between hormone disruption and other endocrine abnormalities in the context of the constant consumption of genetically modified foods and overexposure to chemicals used directly and indirectly in the agrifood industry. This review collates data pertinent to endocrine health and its correlation with dietary intake and the chemical substances that come into contact with food, including pesticides. We hypothesized that the changes caused by genetically modified organisms (GMOs) may have metabolic effects in the medium and long term, such as the proliferation of adipose tissue. Importantly, the scientific evidence on which we can rely has different slopes due to the types of studies and experiments necessary to verify them, as is the case for metabolic disorders, cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, and GMOs. Finally, it is imperative to acknowledge that the repercussions of disruptive compounds—which encompass, but are not limited to, pesticides and genetically modified organism derivatives—require additional investigation.