Alimentation et les perturbateurs endocriniens

Abstract

This final-year study is set against a backdrop of growing concerns about food safety and environmental health. Its main objective is to assess the level of awareness among the Algerian population regarding endocrine disruptors (EDS) found in food, while also raising awareness of the health risks associated with these ubiquitous chemical substances. The first part of this work explores the fundamental concepts of healthy eating. A historical retrospective is provided to better understand the evolution of human dietary habits, from prehistory to the industrial era. Emphasis is placed on the characteristics of a balanced diet, its benefits for physical, mental, and emotional health, and its preventive role against noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and metabolic and neurological disorders. The second part is devoted to the study of endocrine disruptors. These substances, whether natural or synthetic, can interfere with the human hormonal system even at very low doses. An in-depth analysis of several EDs notably bisphenol A, phthalates, parabens, pesticides, phytoestrogens, and heavy metalshighlights their mechanisms of action, sources, and potential effects on fertility, embryonic development, metabolism, the nervous system, and carcinogenesis. The third part addresses the main dietary exposure routes to EDs: canned foods, plastic packaging, processed products, and fruits and vegetables treated with pesticides. Prevention strategies are proposed, including regulation, health education, professional training for healthcare workers, and practical advice to reduce exposure. In the practical section, a survey was conducted on a sample of the Algerian population. It aimed to assess the level of knowledge about EDs, identify healthcare professionals’ (pharmacists, gynecologists, pediatricians) perceptions, and determine risky consumption habits. The results reveal a limited but growing awareness of the issue, especially among practitioners involved in maternal and child health. In conclusion, this thesis highlights the urgency of an integrated approach that combines nutrition, prevention, and health education. It calls for collective responsibility, both at the institutional and individual levels, to reduce daily exposure to EDs and ensure a healthier and safer food environment.