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Serum levels of trace elements in children born after assisted reproductive technology
Xin-Ru Xia1, Shi-Wen Jiang2, Yuan Zhang1
1State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.
Insights
Children born via assisted reproductive technology (ART) showed higher lead and lower zinc and iron levels compared to naturally conceived children. Monitoring these trace elements in ART children is recommended for long-term health assessment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Reproductive Medicine
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Assisted reproductive technology (ART) use is increasing globally.
- Long-term health outcomes for ART-conceived children require further investigation.
- Trace element levels may be affected by ART procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare trace element levels in children conceived via ART versus natural conception.
- To assess potential differences in zinc, copper, iron, calcium, magnesium, and lead.
- To inform long-term health monitoring strategies for ART children.
Main Methods:
- A follow-up study comparing ART children and naturally conceived controls (ages 1-12).
- Serum trace element levels (zinc, copper, iron, calcium, magnesium, lead) were measured.
- Statistical analysis was performed to compare groups.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in age, gender, or body weight between groups.
- Serum lead levels were significantly higher in the ART group.
- Serum zinc and iron levels were significantly lower in the ART group, remaining within normal ranges.
Conclusions:
- ART children aged 1-6 years require monitoring for zinc, iron, and lead blood levels.
- Findings contribute to understanding the long-term safety of ART.
- This research may aid in screening for trace element-related health issues.
Introduction:
The health and development of newborn children born via assisted reproductive technology (ART), as well as their health in adulthood, have raised great concern. This study was designed to investigate whether ART children have differences in the levels of trace elements compared with naturally conceived children.
Methods:
This study included those ART children and controls aged 1 to 12 years assessed with a follow-up protocol. Serum levels of the trace elements zinc, copper, iron, calcium, magnesium and lead were determined and analyzed.
Results:
There were no significant differences in age, gender or body weight between the ART and control groups. There were no significant differences in the rates of deficiency or excess of trace elements between the two groups. Serum lead levels in children born via ART were significantly higher than those in the controls, whereas the levels of zinc and iron were significantly decreased in the ART group, although these levels were still within the normal ranges.
Discussion:
These results indicate the need to monitor the blood levels of zinc, iron and lead in ART children aged 1-6 years old. These findings contribute to our understanding on the long-term safety of ART and may facilitate screening for potential diseases related to trace elements.
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