A chemical agent in toothpaste and soap could increase the risk of osteoporosis

Triclosan has for years been suspected of causing endocrine disruption and bacterial resistance, and now there’s a new accusation laid at its door.

This chemical agent is frequently found in toothpastes, soaps and other beauty products. At the end of June, a new study 1 demonstrated a correlation between concentrations of triclosan in the urine and risk of osteoporosis.

This study’s results proved that women with high levels of triclosan in their urine also presented with more fragile bones and higher risk of developing osteoporosis. They also highlighted the significantly higher risk for women who had gone through the menopause.

While the researchers do concede that further studies must be undertaken before coming to any conclusions, the suspicions surrounding triclosan’s risks on the health are nevertheless growing.

1) Shaofang Cai Jiahao Zhu Lingling Sun. Association between urinary triclosan with bone mass density and osteoporosis in the US adult women, 2005-2010. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, jc.2019-0057.