Associations between Maternal Cadmium Exposure with Risk of Preterm Birth and Low Birth Weight: Effect of Mediterranean Diet Adherence on Affected Prenatal Outcomes

Abstract

Prenatal cadmium exposure at non-occupational levels has been associated with poor birth outcomes. The intake of essential metals, such as iron and selenium, may mitigate cadmium exposure effects. However, at high levels, these metals can be toxic. The role of dietary patterns rich in these metals is less studied. We used a linear and logistic regression in a cohort of 185 mother–infant pairs to assess if a Mediterranean diet pattern during pregnancy modified the associations between prenatal cadmium exposure and (1) birth weight and (2) preterm birth. We found that increased cadmium exposure during pregnancy was associated with lower birth weight (β = −210.4; 95% CI: −332.0, −88.8; p = 0.008) and preterm birth (OR = 0.11; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.72; p = 0.04); however, these associations were comparable in offspring born to women reporting high adherence to a Mediterranean diet (β = −274.95; 95% CI: −701.17, 151.26; p = 0.20) and those with low adherence (β = −64.76; 95% CI: −359.90, 230.37; p = 0.66). While the small sample size limits inference, our findings suggest that adherence to a Mediterranean dietary pattern may not mitigate cadmium exposure effects. Given the multiple organs targeted by cadmium and its slow excretion rate, larger studies are required to clarify these findings.

Heavy metal ion concentration in the amniotic fluid of preterm and term pregnancies from two cities with different industrial output

“…The toxic effects from Cd, such as high oxidative stress, cytotoxicity and apoptosis have also been shown in humans (87). Prenatal exposure has been linked with lower birth weights, preterm deliveries and even possible spontaneous abortion (88)(89)(90). Elevated amniotic fluid levels have been also linked with pre-eclampsia (26,91).…”

Role of Inositols and Inositol Phosphates in Energy Metabolism

“…It would be intriguing to observe some of their other health benefits in clinical settings. Specifically, an initial study has been reported on a cohort of 185 mother-infant pairs to assess whether a Mediterranean diet during pregnancy may modify the birth outcome of prenatal cadmium exposure at non-occupational levels [126]. Although larger trial may be necessary to elucidate their roles, it is a positive step towards our current understanding in the field.…”

Optimization of Carboniferous Egyptian Kaolin Treatment for Pharmaceutical Applications

“…The chemical compositions of clay minerals include many potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in significantly different concentrations [5][6][7][8]. Some of these elements have harmful effects, such as As, Cd, Co, Cr, Ni, Pb, and V. Excessive exposure to these PTEs could lead to one disease or another [9][10][11][12][13][14]. Thus, it is necessary to assess the concentrations of PTEs in clay using validated quantitative and qualitative techniques, before their usage in any pharmaceutical applications [3,5].…”