Does BPA from plastic containers damage mitochondria?

What's actually in it

BPA (bisphenol A) is in polycarbonate plastic, the linings of canned foods, and some PVC products. When BPA migrates from packaging into food or drink and you consume it, it gets absorbed into cells throughout the body.

Mitochondria are the energy producers inside cells. Every cell in your body except red blood cells depends on mitochondria to function. When mitochondrial function is impaired, cellular energy production drops and oxidative stress increases.

What the research says

A 2026 study in Toxicology tested BPA's effects on mitochondrial function in human cells. At concentrations relevant to food contact exposure, BPA caused deleterious effects on mitochondrial function including disrupted membrane potential, impaired respiratory chain function, and increased free radical production. The damage was dose-dependent.

This goes beyond BPA's hormone-mimicking effects. It's a direct energy metabolism toxin at the cellular level.

BPA exposure comes mainly from can linings and plastic food containers. Switching to glass food storage eliminates both sources. Glass jars and canning lids without BPA coatings are widely available.