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Triclosan, The Active Ingredient in Toothpaste Linked To Osteoporosis

triclosan

Triclosan, an active ingredient in toothpaste and soaps could increase your risk of developing osteoporosis, according to a study published last week. The new research, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, suggests that triclosan might be harmful for your bones.

 

Triclosan reduces or prevents bacterial contamination. It is added to some antibacterial soaps and body washes, toothpastes, and some cosmetics—products regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

 

 

triclosan

 

Triclosan: Where Can You Find It?

It is found in soaps, toothpastes, mouthwashes, and hand sanitizers. It’s an antimicrobial, meaning it can kill microorganisms like bacteria. It does have some benefits. For example, it can help with plaque removal and gingivitis.

 

In the new report, released last week, researchers culled data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The researchers looked at the level of triclosan found in the urine samples of thousands of participants.

They found that women with a higher concentration of triclosan in their urine were more likely to suffer from osteoporosis. This risk is greater for postmenopausal women.

Osteoporosis causes one’s bones to become so brittle that they can be fractured by low amounts of stress put on them, even an aggressive cough. Common symptoms are back pain, stooped posture, and decreased height.

 

The good news is that at the beginning of 2019, none of the major toothpaste manufacturers were selling toothpastes that include triclosan. While this is good news insofar as toothpastes are concerned, it is still used in hand sanitizers and soaps. In addition, the FDA has not withdrawn their approval of this chemical as they are waiting for additional research data.

 

 

Conclusion

At this time, scientists are continuing their research and haven’t decided if the FDA should withdraw it’s approval even from soaps and sanitizers.

 

Additional research is necessary to understand the total pros and cons of Triclosan before a decision is made to avoid it altogether.

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