Effects of Prenatal Essential and Toxic Metal Exposure on Children's Neurodevelopment: A Multi-Method Approach.

ABSTRACT: The impact of prenatal exposure to trace metal mixtures on children's neurodevelopment remains debated. Many studies treat all trace metals as a single entity, overlooking the distinct biological roles of essential and toxic metals. This approach may highlight overall exposure but fails to capture their differential effects on neurodevelopment. This study aims to examine the associations between prenatal exposure to essential and toxic metals and children's cognitive development, focusing on their independent effects. A cohort of 201 mother-infant pairs was analyzed. Maternal urinary metal levels were measured at 12 weeks of gestation, and children's neurodevelopment was assessed at 4 years using the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence and the Developmental Neuropsychologi

SUBMITTER: Kou X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12656216 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature