Diet and mycoestrogen exposure in a pregnancy cohort: the Jersey Babies pilot study

Zearalenone (ZEN) is a grain-contaminating mycotoxin and potent estrogen receptor agonist linked to reproductive and perinatal disruption in animal models, with emerging epidemiologic evidence in humans. Despite widespread U.S. exposure, dietary sources remain unclear.

This pilot study assessed prenatal mycoestrogen exposure and related dietary sources in a U.S. pregnant cohort.

Pregnant women (n = 33) recruited in New Brunswick, NJ provided urine samples and completed time-matched 24-h dietary recalls at three points across pregnancy (Visit 1: 18-20 weeks; Visit 2: 24-26 weeks and Visit 3: 28-32 weeks gestation). Urinary mycoestrogens were quantified using LC/MSMS and corrected for specific gravity.

At least one ZEN metabolite was detected in every sample (Visit, median: 1: 0.058 ng/mg; 2: 0.042 ng/mg; 3: 0.055 ng/mg), and intraclass correlation coefficients among detected metabolites ranged from 0.62 to 0.95. Across visits, Hispanic participants (39%) had 52-109% higher mycoestrogen concentrations compared to non-Hispanic participants (p < 0.05). Consumption of corn and other grain products within the past 24 h was strongly correlated with urinary concentrations of ZEN and its metabolites (r: 0.30-0.92; p < 0.05), with weaker positive correlations observed for oils and popcorn.

Given robust toxicologic evidence and emerging epidemiologic findings suggesting adverse maternal and child health impacts, identifying key exposure pathways is critical.

This pilot study identifies corn and cereal-based foods as key contributors to ZEN prenatal exposure and highlights higher concentrations among Hispanic participants. By clarifying exposure pathways, these findings support improved food-safety monitoring and targeted strategies to reduce endocrine-disrupting chemical exposures during pregnancy.