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PFAS exposure is associated with an unfavourable metabolic profile in infants six months of age

Anne-Lise Bjørke-Monsen1, Kristin Holstad2, Sandra Huber3

  • 1Department of Medical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway; Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Lillehammer, Norway; Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry, Førde Hospital Trust, Førde, Norway.

Environment International
|November 8, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Maternal and infant exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) impacts infant growth and metabolic health. Prenatal PFAS exposure is linked to lower birth weight and increased postnatal weight gain, affecting children's health.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Pediatric Health
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widespread environmental contaminants.
  • Children are particularly vulnerable to the adverse health effects of PFAS exposure.
  • Prenatal and postnatal exposure to PFAS may impact child development and long-term health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between maternal and infant PFAS burden and infant growth.
  • To examine the impact of PFAS exposure on liver and lipid parameters in infants at six months of age.
  • To explore the relationship between prenatal dietary factors, PFAS levels, and infant health outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective cohort study involving healthy pregnant women and their infants.
  • Collection of maternal and infant blood samples at 18 weeks gestation and 6 months postpartum.
  • Analysis of blood samples for liver enzymes, blood lipids, and various PFAS, including perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCA).
  • Assessment of maternal diet and infant growth parameters.

Main Results:

  • Maternal PFCA exposure and high fish consumption during pregnancy were linked to reduced birth weight and increased infant weight gain.
  • Infant PFCA concentrations at 6 months correlated with elevated alanine aminotransferase, total cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol.
  • Prenatal and postnatal PFAS exposure demonstrated an association with an unfavorable metabolic profile in infants.

Conclusions:

  • Prenatal and postnatal PFAS exposure are associated with adverse growth and metabolic profiles in infants.
  • Early life exposure to PFAS may contribute to the development of metabolic diseases later in life.
  • Reducing PFAS exposure in women of reproductive age is crucial for preventing intergenerational metabolic disease.

Keywords:
BreastfeedingGrowthInfantLipidsLiver enzymesPFASPregnancy

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