Abstract:
Research in the area of nutritional epigenetics involves the study of atoms in food that impact gene behavior. Prenatal co-exposures to heavy metals are known to cause changes in DNA methylation patterns which impact gene behavior in offspring. A recent literature review was conducted using PubMed as a primary resource for identifying current findings on the “impact of prenatal heavy metal co-exposures on offspring.” The literature review indicates there is strong evidence to suggest prenatal co-exposures to heavy metals are common and impact childbirth and developmental outcomes. Recent studies show co-exposures to maternal lead (Pb), mercury (Hg) and cadmium (Cd) during pregnancy interacted synergistically to impair offspring cognition, memory, language acquisition ability, and memory. Low level exposures to these heavy metals have triggered risk taking in offspring with Pb exposure exhibiting a significant and long-term effect. Strong evidence suggests there is no safe level of exposure to lead. Lead exposures are easy to diagnose via blood collection and analysis. Because evidence now suggests lead promotes synergistic and long-lasting effects in a mixed metal co-exposure environment, it is increasingly urgent to reduce even low lead exposures in pregnant women. In China, dietary approaches are used routinely to treat low lead exposures. Results of a literature review indicate that the consumption of milk or dairy products, fruits, and calcium supplementation counteract lead in a negative dose-response relationship. Evidence suggests the molecules of greatest effect in counteracting lead are calcium, vitamin D, zinc, and selenium.
