DEHP metabolite exposure marker
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About mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP)
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About mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP)
Overview and History
MEHP is a phthalate monoester formed when di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), a common plasticizer, is hydrolyzed. Biochemically it is classified as a xenobiotic metabolite rather than an endogenous compound and is measured in urine to estimate recent DEHP exposure.
Phthalates were recognized as widespread industrial plasticizers in the mid-20th century; MEHP became a useful biomarker as analytical methods (like LC-MS/MS) allowed reliable detection in biological samples. In laboratory and population studies MEHP has shown bioactivity at cellular receptors involved in metabolism and hormonal signaling, which is why it is tracked in exposure assessments.
Interpreting Highs and Lows
Elevated urinary MEHP typically reflects recent or higher exposure to DEHP sources such as certain plastics, food packaging, or consumer products, or reduced clearance relative to exposure. Low or non-detectable MEHP usually indicates minimal recent exposure or efficient elimination, but can also reflect timing of sample collection. Interpretation is most informative when considered with other phthalate metabolites, environmental measures, and detox-related genetics from the full Toxin Zoomer panel.
Featured Test
MEHP is included in the Toxin Zoomer to quantify recent internal exposure to DEHP-derived phthalates. As a direct urinary marker of plasticizer exposure, it helps map likely sources and exposure patterns and, when combined with detox genetics and other toxicants, supports personalized interpretation of toxic burden and clearance capacity.
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Mary Beth Augustine
DCN, RDN, FAND- Lead Clinical Educator
Suzanne Barker
MS, RDN, LD, CTTS, CGP- Clinical Educator
Suzette Garcia
MSc- MHNE- Clinical Educator
Brooke Mader Ganev
MS, CNS, LDN, FDN- Clinical Educator
Adair Anderson
MS, RDN, LDN- Clinical Educator
Lillie Luu Nguyen
DCN, CNS, LDN- Clinical Educator
Jason Barker
ND- Clinical Educator
Emaline Brown
ND- Clinical Educator
Dana Filatova
DCN, CNS, LDN- Clinical Educator
Jessy Dhanjal
ND- Clinical Educator
Nour Amri
MS, LDN, CNS, CKNS- Clinical Educator
