Impact of prenatal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from maternal diet on birth outcomes: a birth cohort study in Korea. Issue 14 (8th April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lamichhane, Dirga Kumar; Leem, Jong-Han; Kim, Hwan-Cheol; Lee, Ji-Young; Park, Myung-Sook; Jung, Dal-Young; Ko, Jung Keun; Ha, Mina; Kim, Yangho; Hong, Yun-Chul; Ha, Eun-Hee
• Is Part Of: Public health nutrition. Volume 19:Issue 14(2016)
• Page Start: 2562
• Page End: 2571
• Publication Date: 2016-04-08
• Subjects: Biomarker, -- Children, -- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, -- PAH-rich meat, -- Pregnancy, -- Birth weight; Nutrition -- Periodicals; Nutrition policy -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; 613.2
• DOI: 10.1017/S1368980016000550
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1368-9800

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are common dietary exposures that cross the human placenta and are classified as a probable human carcinogen. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential impact of exposure to PAH-containing meat consumed during pregnancy on birth outcomes. Design: Prospective birth cohort study. Only non-smoking women with singleton pregnancies, who were free from chronic disease such as diabetes and hypertension, were included in the study. Maternal consumption of PAH-rich meat was estimated through FFQ. Multiple linear regression was used to assess factors related to higher intake and the association between dietary PAH and birth outcomes. Setting: Republic of Korea, 2006–2011. Subjects: Pregnant women ( n 778) at 12–28 weeks of gestation enrolled in the Mothers and Children's Environmental Health (MOCEH) study. Results: The multivariable regression model showed a significant reduction in birth weight associated with higher consumption level of foods rich in PAH, such as grilled or roasted meat, during pregnancy ( β =−17·48 g, P <0·05 for every 1 point higher in meat score). Further adjusting for biomarkers of airborne PAH did not alter this association. There was no evidence that higher consumption level of PAH-rich meat shortens the duration of gestation ( P =0·561). Regression models performed for birth length and head circumference produced negative effects that were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Consumption of higher levels of barbecued, fried, roasted and smoked meats during pregnancy was associated with reduced birth weight. Dietary risk of PAH exposure in Korean women is of concern.