A new study reveals an underlying factor that could be behind the growing trend of children entering puberty earlier in recent years. This is the first time research has found that a commonly used chemical called musk ambrette, which is used to enhance the scent of various products, can trigger the body’s hormones to release hormones associated with puberty sooner than normal.
The study, which was released in Endocrinology is the first study to examine how the chemicals in the environment can alter the brain’s function, leading to the development of early puberty the study’s lead, a pediatric endocrinologist at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and co-author of the study said to NBC News.
But it’s not yet time to know if musk plays a significant role in the development of puberty early experts say although there may be a few small steps parents could take to be on the safe side.
This is what you need to know about the research behind the musk ambrette and the products that have it.
Puberty Begins Earlier for Boys and Girls
The research from 2020 indicates that the age of puberty starting among girls was reduced by approximately three months per decade, from 1977 to 2013. A study conducted in 2012 showed that boys reached puberty between 6 months to 2 years younger than what previous research had suggested.
and a huge study that was published in May 2024 that was published in JAMA that examined more than 70k women born between the 1950s and 2005. discovered that the time at which women have their first period has slowed and it’s taking more time for the average woman’s period to become regular.
The cause of the decline in the age at which children begin puberty is a question that has puzzled experts for several years. Some have cited the rising obesity rate in children, diets that are less healthy as well as exposure to phthalates which is a compound used in plastics, but there is no evidence to support it.
Shaw believes that since the transition to puberty is so fast the reason is likely to be because of “environmental factors,” she explained to NBC News.
Early puberty is linked to negative health effects, including an increased risk of breast endometrial, testicular, and endometrial cancers, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and psychological problems.
Musk Ambrette Could be a Factor in the Rise in Puberty Early New Research Suggests
For the research, the researchers examined more than 10,000 compounds from the library of licensed pharmaceuticals, environmental chemicals, and food supplements.
The researchers found that musk ambrette early puberty is an artificial version of musk capable of attaching to an area of the brain connected to puberty. It can prompt the release of a hormone known as GnRH that influences the maturation of organs to sexuality and the production of sex hormones like testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone.
“The ability of these compounds to stimulate these brain receptors raises the possibility that they may prematurely activate the reproductive axis in children,” Shaw says to TODAY.com by email.
There were a variety of chemical compounds that researchers discovered that might affect puberty, such as cholinergic agonists as a kind of medication and musk and ambrette.
“Musk ambrette is of potential concern for children because it can be found in personal care products. A limited number of studies in rats also suggest that it can cross the blood-brain barrier. Children are less likely to encounter cholinergic agonists in their daily lives,” Shaw describes.
“It is important to conduct confirmatory studies in girls with early puberty, but these compounds deserve greater attention,” she states.
What is the Ambrette of Musk?
Musk Ambrette is a synthetic type of musk. It is often utilized to scent household and personal care products in addition to a flavoring additive for food, Michael Hansen, Ph.D. the Senior Scientist.
It is the Flavor and Extract Manufacturer Association (FEMA) is a significant trade association for flavor within the U.S., does not award musk ambrette with the “generally recognized as safe” label. This is because the European Union has prohibited the use of musk ambrette as a flavoring in cosmetics and Canada has also imposed restrictions on the use of it in cosmetics.
“Exposure to (musk ambrette compounds) is also of concern because they can bioaccumulate in human tissues,” Shaw clarifies. “Studies have detected these compounds in maternal blood, umbilical cord blood, and breast milk, highlighting potential risks for children.”
What Products Contain an Ambrette Made of Musk?
The range of items available that are sold in the U.S. may contain musk Ambrette. As per Hansen and Shaw, they list the following items:
- Detergents
- Soaps
- Air fresheners
- Cleaning products
- Perfumes, particularly those that are cheap or fake scents
- Essential oils
- Cosmetics and other personal care products such as deodorants, shampoos, and body wash
- Spices
- Certain foods
“If I had to guess, I would suspect that the bulk of the exposure (to musk ambrette) is coming in through personal care products,” Hansen states. “Since the product is a perfume which implies … it’s breathing the scent. … It is absorbed directly to the mucous membranes (in the nose) which make it simpler for chemicals to travel in your brain.”
What are the Options for Parents?
Some experts think it’s too early in the research to suggest parents think about doing something to limit the exposure of their children to Ambrette musk, and it’s not the right time to prohibit or limit the use of it, in light of this research.
Yet, Shaw and Hansen both agree that there’s nothing wrong with seeking to limit children’s exposure to this chemical and closely related compounds, including Musk ketone and musk. Furthermore, Hansen states that research should result in follow-up studies looking into the ambrette musk exposure of communities with a higher risk of experiencing the first signs of puberty.
In the meantime, Hansen suggests avoiding products with musk ambrette listed on the label of ingredients. Be aware that certain products that contain the ambrette of musk might only describe it as a natural or synthetic flavoring or fragrance, Hansen adds.
You might think about cutting down on products with scents that don’t need a scent like shampoos, lotions, or body scrubs.
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