Investigating the long-term effects of low-level mercury exposure from fish consumption during pregnancy
Leveraging Investments in the Seychelles Child Development Study to Enable Novel Investigations of Long-Term MeHg Exposure, Toxicity Mechanisms, and Health across the Life Course
This study is looking at how eating ocean fish during pregnancy, which can contain low levels of mercury, might affect the development of babies, and it’s for expectant moms who want to understand the potential risks and how different factors like diet and genetics play a role.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10764265 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the developmental risks associated with low-level methylmercury (MeHg) exposure from eating ocean fish during pregnancy. It involves a detailed examination of over 3,000 participants from the Seychelles Child Development Study, looking at how factors like nutrition, genetics, and maternal immune function influence susceptibility to MeHg toxicity. The study aims to enrich existing data and biorepositories to facilitate future investigations into the mechanisms of MeHg toxicity and its long-term health effects. By leveraging a unique longitudinal dataset, the research seeks to provide insights that could improve public health outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant women who consume ocean fish regularly and their children, particularly those from the Seychelles.
Not a fit: Patients who do not consume ocean fish or are not pregnant may not receive any benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention of health issues related to mercury exposure in pregnant women and their children.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown significant findings regarding the effects of methylmercury exposure, indicating that this research builds on established knowledge rather than being entirely novel.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- University of Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Van Wijngaarden, Edwin — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Van Wijngaarden, Edwin
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.