Craig Russell, pharmacy lecturer at Aston University, told The Conversation: “Research suggests long-term exposure to these chemicals may increase the risk of conditions like insulin resistance, inflammation and cardiovascular disease – especially in children and pregnant women.
“One difficulty in assessing phthalate safety is that there isn’t just one type.
“Phthalates are a large family of chemicals, each with different properties and risks. Not all are used in softgels, and many of the highest exposures come from other everyday sources such as vinyl flooring, shower curtains, perfumes and air fresheners.
“But while phthalates in soft-gel capsules may not be the biggest contributor to our overall exposure, they’re still worth paying attention to – especially for people who take many supplements daily.”
