How diet affects the relationship between metals and mental health in children

Examining Mitigating Effects of Diet on Associations among Metals and Early Childhood Psychiatric Problems

NIH-funded research Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11030846

This study is looking at how what moms eat during pregnancy and exposure to metals can affect kids' mental health, especially anxiety and depression, so we can find out which children might need extra support early on.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11030846 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how dietary factors can influence the effects of metal exposure on mental health problems, particularly anxiety and depression, in children. It focuses on understanding the impact of prenatal nutrition and environmental exposures to metals on the development of these psychiatric issues. By examining the interactions between maternal diet and metal exposure during pregnancy, the study aims to identify at-risk children early in life. The research employs a combination of nutritional assessments and neurobehavioral evaluations to explore these associations.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant women and their children, particularly those with concerns about environmental exposures or mental health issues.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or do not have children under the age of 11 may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to dietary recommendations that help mitigate the risk of anxiety and depression in children exposed to harmful metals.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of nutrition in mitigating the effects of environmental exposures, suggesting that this approach could be beneficial.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.