Can PFAS from everyday products alter your baby's appetite hormones and eating habits?

What's actually in it

Babies absorb PFAS from breast milk, formula, tap water, and food. These chemicals come from nonstick cookware, food wrappers, stain-resistant fabrics, and contaminated water. PFAS build up in a baby's body because their small kidneys can't clear them efficiently. The chemicals can interfere with hormones that control hunger and fullness.

What the research says

A 2026 study in Clin Nutr measured PFAS levels in young children and tracked their appetite hormones and eating behavior through the first two years of life. The researchers found that higher PFAS exposure was linked to changes in adipokine levels (hormones from fat cells that regulate appetite) and altered eating patterns.

Some children with higher PFAS levels showed increased appetite and faster eating, which can lead to excess weight gain in early childhood. These early changes in eating behavior may set the stage for obesity and metabolic problems later.

Filter your drinking water with a system that removes PFAS. Avoid nonstick pans and stain-resistant fabrics in baby spaces. Choose glass or stainless steel for baby bottles and food storage.