What is mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP)? And Why Does the Toxin Zoomer Test for It?

Urinary phthalate exposure metabolite

MEOHP is an oxidative urinary metabolite of the plasticizer DEHP formed when the body breaks down that chemical. It serves as a measurable indicator of recent phthalate exposure and internal dose. Measuring MEOHP alongside other markers and detox-genetics helps clarify exposure patterns and biological handling.

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mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP)

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About mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP)

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About mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP)

Overview and History

MEOHP (mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate) is an oxidative monoester metabolite of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), a widely used plasticizer. Biochemically it is categorized as a xenobiotic metabolite detectable in urine and has been applied in population biomonitoring to quantify human phthalate exposure. The compound is produced by enzymatic hydrolysis of DEHP followed by oxidation in liver and other tissues. As a non‑endogenous breakdown product, MEOHP does not have a normal physiological role; its presence and concentration reflect recent intake, metabolic processing, and urinary elimination of DEHP.

Interpreting Highs and Lows

Higher urinary MEOHP concentrations generally indicate more recent or greater exposure to DEHP-containing products or a higher internal dose. Elevated levels can also reflect slower metabolic clearance influenced by genetic variants or co-exposures. Low concentrations typically suggest lower recent exposure or more complete clearance, but can also result from sample timing, urine dilution, or analytic factors. Interpretation is most informative when reviewed with other phthalate metabolites, urine concentration markers (creatinine or specific gravity), and the Toxin Zoomer’s broader toxicant and genetic results.

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MEOHP is included in the Toxin Zoomer as a validated marker of DEHP exposure. It helps quantify chemical burden from plastics and related sources and, when paired with detoxification genotypes and other toxicant measures, supports personalized interpretation of exposure sources and the body’s handling of that burden.

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mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP) FAQs

What is mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP) and why is it important?

MEOHP is a breakdown product the body makes after exposure to DEHP, a common plasticizer. It is measurable in urine and serves as a marker of recent phthalate exposure rather than a normal body chemical. Knowing MEOHP levels helps clinicians compare exposure with other toxicants and detox genetics to understand exposure patterns.

What does it mean if my mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP) levels are low?

Low urinary MEOHP usually suggests low recent exposure to DEHP or effective recent elimination. It can also reflect sample timing (long after exposure) or diluted urine. By contrast, higher values suggest more recent or greater exposure or slower clearance; accurate meaning comes from comparing other metabolites, urine concentration markers, and detox-genetic data.

What does it mean if my mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP) levels are high?

Elevated MEOHP indicates greater recent internal exposure to DEHP or reduced elimination of that chemical. It can point toward sources such as certain plastics, food packaging, or product contact, or reflect metabolic factors that slow clearance. Clinicians interpret high values in the context of other phthalate metabolites, urine concentration measures, and genetic markers to determine exposure patterns and relevance.

Why is this biomarker included in the Toxin Zoomer?

MEOHP provides a targeted, validated measure of DEHP exposure, a common environmental chemical. Including it allows providers to quantify plasticizer burden, relate that burden to possible exposure sources, and align findings with detoxification genotypes for more precise, individualized interpretation.

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