BOSTON—A new study examining the association of bisphenol A (BPA) concentrations and adverse health effects has found individuals who eat canned soup on a regular basis have a 1,000% increase in urinary BPA concentrations compared to those who consume fresh soup.
The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, was carried out at the Harvard School of Public Health. For the study, one group of participants consumed a 12-ounce serving of vegetarian canned soup each day for five days; another group consumed 12 ounces of vegetarian fresh soup (prepared without canned ingredients) daily for five days. After a two-day “washout" period, the groups reversed their assignments.
Urine samples of the 75 volunteers taken during the testing showed consumption of a serving of canned soup daily was associated with a 1,221% increase in BPA compared to levels in urine collected after consumption of fresh soup. The researchers noted the elevation in urinary BPA concentrations may be temporary and that further research is needed to quantify its duration.
“The magnitude of the rise in urinary BPA we observed after just one serving of soup was unexpected and may be of concern among individuals who regularly consume foods from cans or drink several canned beverages daily. It may be advisable for manufacturers to consider eliminating BPA from can linings," said Karin B. Michels, senior author of the study.
