Low-level maternal exposure to cadmium, lead, and mercury and birth outcomes in a Swedish prospective birth-cohort
Journal article, 2020

Observational studies have indicated that low-to-moderate exposure to cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) adversely affects birth anthropometry, but results are inconclusive. The aim of this study was to elucidate potential impact on birth anthropometry of exposure to Cd, Pb, and Hg in pregnant women, and to identify the main dietary sources. In the NICE (Nutritional impact on Immunological maturation during Childhood in relation to the Environment) birth-cohort in northern Sweden, blood and urine were collected from pregnant women in early third trimester. Cd, Pb and Hg were measured in erythrocytes (n = 584), and Cd also in urine (n = 581), by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Dietary data were collected through a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire administered in mid-third trimester. Birth anthropometry data were extracted from hospital records. In multivariable-adjusted spline regression models, a doubling of maternal erythrocyte Cd (median: 0.29 μg/kg) above the spline knot of 0.50 μg/kg was associated with reduced birth weight (B: −191 g; 95% CI: −315, −68) and length (−0.67 cm; −1.2, −0.14). The association with birth weight remained when the analysis was restricted to never-smokers. Likewise, a doubling of erythrocyte Hg (median 1.5 μg/kg, mainly MeHg) above 1.0 μg/kg, was associated with decreased birth weight (−59 g; −115, −3.0), and length (−0.29 cm; −0.54, −0.047). Maternal Pb (median 11 μg/kg) was unrelated to birth weight and length. Erythrocyte Cd was primarily associated with intake of plant derived foods, Pb with game meat, tea and coffee, and Hg with fish. The results indicated that low-level maternal Cd and Hg exposure were associated with poorer birth anthropometry. Further prospective studies in low-level exposed populations are warranted.

Dietary exposure

Lead

Cadmium

Mercury

Birth weight

Author

Klara Gustin

Karolinska Institutet

Malin Barman

Chalmers, Biology and Biological Engineering, Food and Nutrition Science

Mia Stråvik

Chalmers, Biology and Biological Engineering, Food and Nutrition Science

Michael Levi

Karolinska Institutet

Linda Englund-Ögge

University of Gothenburg

Fiona Murray

Sunderby Research Unit

Umeå University

Bo Jacobsson

National Inst. of Health. Oslo

University of Gothenburg

Sahlgrenska University Hospital

Ann-Sofie Sandberg

Chalmers, Biology and Biological Engineering, Food and Nutrition Science

Anna Sandin

Umeå University

Agnes E Wold

University of Gothenburg

Marie Vahter

Karolinska Institutet

Maria Kippler

Karolinska Institutet

Environmental Pollution

0269-7491 (ISSN) 1873-6424 (eISSN)

Vol. 265 114986

Subject Categories

Environmental Health and Occupational Health

Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine

Nutrition and Dietetics

DOI

10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114986

More information

Latest update

11/4/2021