# Association Between Hypochromic Microcytic Anemia in Pregnancy and Cord Blood Levels of Cadmium, Lead, Manganese, Mercury, and Selenium

## TL;DR

Pregnant women with anemia had higher selenium and lower lead and mercury levels in their babies' cord blood, suggesting selenium may protect against heavy metal transfer.

## Contribution

This study is the first to investigate the association between maternal anemia and cord blood levels of multiple heavy metals.

## Key findings

- Anemic pregnancies showed significantly higher cord blood selenium levels compared to non-anemic pregnancies.
- Anemic pregnancies had significantly lower cord blood lead and mercury levels than non-anemic pregnancies.

## Abstract

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) has been associated with increased blood lead (BPb). Increased BPb in pregnancy has been associated with increased cord BPb. The association between IDA in pregnancy and cord PB levels has not been previously investigated. It is thus hypothesized that IDA in pregnancy results in increased cord BPb levels. Prospectively, cord blood, from term infants delivered in Memphis, TN, was tested for lead, manganese, mercury, and selenium. Maternal charts were retrospectively reviewed and subjects enrolled into two groups: IDA group with hemoglobin < 9 g/dL, 65 fl < MCV 75 fl, MCHC < 32 g/dL and controls with hemoglobin > 12 g/dL, 80 fl < MCV < 95 fl and MCHC > 34 g/dL. Exclusion criteria were chronic conditions, sickle cell disease, and thalassemia. Fifty-five infants were included, with 27 in the maternal anemia group and 28 in the control group. There were no significant differences between groups in maternal age, pregnancy histories, prenatal vitamin and iron intakes, or other morbidities. Pregnancies with anemia had significantly lower BPb and blood mercury (BHg) levels and significantly higher blood selenium (BSe) levels than those without anemia,0.24 (0.18,0.32) µg/L, 0.19(0.17,0.52), 184 ± 31 vs 0.33 (0.27,0.45), 0.55 (0.27,0.92), 160 ± 33, respectively. Conclusion: Pregnancies with anemia were associated with significantly higher cord BSe levels and lower BPb and BHg levels than pregnancies without anemia. Selenium consumption has been shown to lower BPb and BHg levels. This may explain our findings. Future studies are needed to investigate the role of selenium consumption as a protective agent against the transfer of heavy metals across the placenta.