Dietary predictors of prenatal per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are commonly detected in a variety of foods and food packaging materials. However, few studies have examined diet as a potential source of PFAS exposure during pregnancy. In the present cross-sectional study, we examined prenatal PFAS levels in relation to self-reported consumption of meats, dairy products, and processed foods during pregnancy. METHODS: Participants were enrolled in the Chemicals in Our Bodies study, a demographically diverse pregnancy cohort in San Francisco, CA (N=510). Diet was assessed using a self-reported interview questionnaire administered during the 2nd trimester. Participants were asked how many times a day, week, or month they ate certain foods since becoming pregnant. Responses were categorized as at least once a week or less than once a week. Twelve PFAS (ng/mL) were measured in 2nd trimester serum samples. We investigated relationships between consumption of dairy products, meats, and processed foods and natural log transformed PFAS using separate linear regression models adjusted for maternal age, education, and race/ethnicity. RESULTS:PFNA, PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, Me-PFOSA-AcOH, PFDeA and PFUdA were detected in 69% of participants. Consumption of dairy milk and cheese at least once a week was significantly associated with elevated levels of PFNA, PFOA, PFOS, and PFDeA relative to those who ate dairy products less than once week. Eating fish, poultry, and red meat at least once a week was associated with higher levels of PFUdA, PFDeA, PFNA, and PFOS. Reported consumption of processed foods, including fast food, french fries, and take-out pizza, was not associated with PFAS levels. CONCLUSIONS:Results indicate that consumption of animal products may contribute to elevated prenatal PFAS levels. KEYWORDS: diet, pregnancy, PFAS