ArticleReproductive biology and endocrinology : RB&E2025
Association between heavy metal exposure and pregnancy loss: evidence from NHANES 2011-2016.
Article in Reproductive biology and endocrinology : RB&E, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 4 papers.
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Who cites it
4 citing papers in PubMed.
- Association of dietary iron intake and serum iron with self-reported history of pregnancy loss among women: a cross-sectional study based on NHANES 2005-2018.BMC endocrine disorders · 2026Article
- Association between glycolipid metabolism 7 factors (GLM7) and pregnancy loss in women aged 18-35 years: evidence from NHANES 2009-2018.Lipids in health and disease · 2026Article
- Heavy metals and mortality in cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome: Insights from the NHANES cohort.Medicine · 2025Article
- Reproductive health characteristics among women living in severe poverty in urban Haiti.Reproductive health · 2025Observational
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Authors and funding
4 authors.
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Abstract
objectivePrevious research suggests that heavy metal exposure may lead to pregnancy loss, but findings have varied. This study focuses on examining the relationship between heavy metal exposure (manganese, selenium, cadmium, lead, mercury) and pregnancy loss.
methodsUtilizing data from the 2011-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), this study included women between 20-80 years with complete pregnancy history, heavy metal exposure data, and covariate information. Pregnancy loss was self-reported by participants. Blood levels of manganese, selenium, cadmium, lead, and mercury were measured using mass spectrometry. Logistic regression, smooth curve fitting, and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression were employed to investigate the association between heavy metal exposure and pregnancy loss. Subgroup analyses were conducted to verify the heterogeneity of the results.
resultsA total of 3623 eligible women were included, with 1607 reporting pregnancy loss. Blood mercury levels were positively correlated with a higher risk of pregnancy loss (odds ratio 1.06, 95% confidence interval 1.03-1.09, P < 0.001), which remained significant in the two adjusted models. A nonlinear association between mercury levels and pregnancy loss was identified. The heterogeneity in this association was influenced by race, education level, body mass index, and age at menarche. No significant links were detected between pregnancy loss and cadmium, lead, manganese, and selenium. WQS regression highlighted the critical role of mercury in pregnancy loss.
conclusionMercury exposure may contribute to a higher risk of pregnancy loss. Reducing heavy metal pollution and minimizing mercury exposure could potentially help improve pregnancy outcomes.
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