Fetal Dehydroepiandrosterone from Hair Samples at Birth Predicts Language Development

Sex hormones testosterone and estradiol have been related to children's language development. Expanding the focus on dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which has not yet been considered as a biological marker of language ability, may provide novel insights, as emerging evidence suggests that fetal DHEA plays a critical role in the organization of the neonatal brain, potentially shaping later language development. The present study investigated whether fetal DHEA, compared to fetal testosterone, is associated with infant language development.

DHEA and testosterone concentrations were measured in newborn hair strands (n = 63) collected two weeks after birth, capturing fetal long-term hormone secretions during the third trimester of pregnancy. At six months of age, children's language abilities were assessed using the German version of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development.

Multiple linear regression analysis revealed fetal DHEA levels to be significantly associated with language abilities at six months of age in boys only, with lower DHEA levels corresponding to higher language scores. Control analyses assessing general cognitive abilities showed no association of fetal DHEA levels with infant cognitive function. Testosterone levels were not associated with language.

The current study identifies fetal DHEA levels extracted from newborn hair samples as a potential biological factor influencing infant language development in boys.