Associations of phenols, parabens, and phthalates with biological aging: stratified analyses by chronological age and lifestyle in NHANES 2005–2010

Humans are widely exposed to phenols, parabens, and phthalates with health risks, while the effects of these chemicals on biological aging remain unclear. Among 3,441 adults in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005–2010, phenol, paraben, and phthalate concentrations were measured and phenotypic age acceleration (PhenoAgeAccel) was calculated. Linear regression and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression were used to evaluate the associations of single and mixed chemicals with PhenoAgeAccel. Stratified analyses by chronological age and lifestyle were also performed. Individual phthalates were positively associated with PhenoAgeAccel. The WQS model found the positive relationship between mixed chemicals with PhenoAgeAccel (β = 0.175, 95%CI: 0.001, 0.349). The adverse impacts of phenols and phthalates on biological aging were stronger in older participants with significant interactions. Adherence to healthier lifestyle might partly reduce the positive relationships of phenols and phthalates with biological aging, especially among older adults, which is expected to be a viable intervention in the future.