Can BPA alternatives in BPA-free plastics cause anemia?

What's actually in it

After BPA became widely known as an endocrine disruptor, manufacturers replaced it in many products with structurally similar chemicals: BPS (bisphenol S), found in most BPA-free plastic bottles and receipts, and BPF (bisphenol F), used in food container coatings and resins. These are the most common replacements.

These chemicals are hormonally active, similar to BPA. They've been detected in most people's urine, indicating widespread everyday exposure. What's less studied is their effect on blood cell production.

What the research says

A 2026 study on bisphenol analogue exposure and anemia in young adults found that people with higher bisphenol levels were more likely to be anemic. The association was strongest for BPS and BPF, the same chemicals used as BPA replacements. The proposed mechanism involves disrupted iron absorption and impaired erythropoiesis, the process of making red blood cells.

Anemia causes fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and impaired concentration. Finding a link to routine plastic chemical exposure is a new area of research, but it fits with what we know about how bisphenols disrupt cellular metabolism.

Glass, stainless steel, and ceramic containers avoid bisphenols entirely. If you use plastic, look for products that specifically state they're free of bisphenol A and all analogues.