Concentrations of potentially toxic metals and trace elements in pregnant women and association with birth outcomes: A cross-sectional study in Malawi.

ABSTRACT: Potentially toxic metals and trace elements have been used in Malawi for a long time. However, data on exposure to these elements by susceptible groups like pregnant women and its associations with reproductive health outcomes in Malawi and southern hemisphere is limited. We investigated the concentrations of potentially toxic metals as well as trace elements in pregnant women and assessed the relationship between the levels these elements in maternal blood and sociodemographic factors, dietary habits and birth outcomes. Maternal data was collected from 605 pregnant women. Provider administered questionnaire was used to collect data on maternal sociodemographic factors, life style and immediate birth outcomes. Maternal venous blood samples were collected from 506 pregnant women in southern

SUBMITTER: Mwapasa M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11563382 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature