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Nutrient intakes in women and congenital diaphragmatic hernia in their offspring

Wei Yang1, Gary M Shaw, Suzan L Carmichael

  • 1March of Dimes, California Research Division, Oakland, California 94609, USA. WYang@marchofdimes.com

Birth Defects Research. Part A, Clinical and Molecular Teratology
|January 9, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Maternal nutrient intake may influence the risk of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Specific vitamins and minerals, particularly when taken as supplements, showed associations with reduced CDH risk in infants.

Area of Science:

  • Perinatal epidemiology
  • Nutritional science
  • Birth defect research

Background:

  • Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a severe birth defect with unknown causes.
  • Animal studies suggest maternal diet may impact CDH development.
  • This study investigated the link between maternal nutrient intake and CDH risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between maternal nutrient intakes during the periconceptional period and the risk of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) in infants.
  • To explore potential dietary factors contributing to CDH etiology.
  • To inform potential preventative strategies through nutritional guidance.

Main Methods:

  • Population-based case-control study (National Birth Defects Prevention Study, 1997-2003).
  • Analysis of 377 infants with isolated CDH and 5,008 control infants.
  • Maternal nutrient intake derived from food frequency questionnaires during the year before pregnancy.

Main Results:

  • Higher choline intake showed a protective trend (OR=0.6).
  • Lower intake of choline, cysteine, methionine, and protein were associated with increased CDH risk (ORs 1.4-1.7).
  • Among women taking supplements, higher intakes of B vitamins, minerals, and vitamin E were inversely associated with CDH (ORs 0.3-0.7); lower intakes of calcium, retinol, selenium, vitamin B12, and vitamin E were positively associated among non-supplement users (ORs 1.4-2.1).

Conclusions:

  • Maternal periconceptional diet may be associated with the risk of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) in offspring.
  • Specific nutrient intakes, especially from vitamin supplements, show potential protective effects.
  • Further research is warranted to confirm these findings and explore dietary interventions.
Abstract

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