Researchers studied 572 pregnant women and their newborns to understand how common industrial chemicals called PFAS (found in non-stick cookware, water-resistant fabrics, and food packaging) might affect babies’ cells. They discovered that exposure to these chemicals during pregnancy was linked to lower energy production in newborn cells. However, the study found encouraging news: mothers with adequate folate levels (a B vitamin) appeared to protect their babies from this damage. This research helps explain why some babies exposed to these chemicals develop health problems and suggests that proper nutrition during pregnancy may offer some protection.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether common industrial chemicals called PFAS that pregnant women are exposed to can damage the energy-producing parts of newborn cells, and whether getting enough folate (a B vitamin) can protect against this damage.
  • Who participated: 572 mother-newborn pairs from the Boston Birth Cohort. Researchers measured chemicals in mothers’ blood shortly after birth and checked the energy-producing structures in newborns’ cord blood.
  • Key finding: Babies whose mothers had high levels of certain PFAS chemicals showed signs of reduced energy production in their cells. However, this harmful effect was much weaker or disappeared entirely when mothers had adequate folate levels.
  • What it means for you: If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, ensuring adequate folate intake through diet or supplements may help protect your baby from potential harm from these unavoidable environmental chemicals. However, this is one study and more research is needed before making major changes to your routine.

The Research Details

This was an observational study where researchers followed 572 pregnant women and their newborns from the Boston Birth Cohort. They measured eight different PFAS chemicals in mothers’ blood samples taken within 1-3 days after giving birth. They also measured folate levels in the mothers’ blood. From newborns’ umbilical cord blood, they examined the number of copies of mitochondrial DNA—essentially counting how many energy-producing structures were present in cells. The researchers then used statistical analysis to look for connections between PFAS exposure and mitochondrial DNA numbers, and checked whether maternal folate levels changed these connections.

The study used advanced laboratory techniques (HPLC-MS/MS) to detect tiny amounts of PFAS chemicals and targeted genetic sequencing to count mitochondrial DNA. Researchers also considered other factors that might affect results, like newborn sex, maternal age, and other health factors.

This approach allowed researchers to examine real-world exposures rather than experimental conditions, making the findings relevant to everyday life. However, because it’s observational rather than experimental, it can show associations but not prove that PFAS directly causes the changes.

Understanding how environmental chemicals affect developing babies at the cellular level is crucial because it helps explain why some children exposed to these chemicals develop health problems later. By examining mitochondrial DNA—the genetic material in cells’ energy factories—researchers can detect early signs of cellular damage before obvious health problems appear. This study’s focus on whether folate can provide protection is particularly important because it suggests a practical, achievable intervention that pregnant women can control.

This study has several strengths: it measured actual chemical exposures in real pregnant women rather than using estimates, it examined newborns’ cord blood which directly reflects prenatal exposure, and it used advanced laboratory techniques to detect chemicals and genetic material accurately. The sample size of 572 is reasonably large for this type of research. However, the study measured PFAS levels after birth rather than during pregnancy, which is a limitation. The study also cannot prove cause-and-effect relationships, only associations. Results may not apply equally to all populations since the study focused on one geographic area.

What the Results Show

The research found that prenatal exposure to PFAS chemicals was associated with lower mitochondrial DNA copy numbers in newborns—meaning fewer energy-producing structures in their cells. However, the effect varied depending on which specific PFAS chemical was involved. Some chemicals showed stronger associations than others, and some showed non-linear patterns (meaning the relationship wasn’t straightforward).

The most striking finding was that the harmful associations with certain PFAS chemicals (including Me-PFOSA-AcOH, PFOS, and the overall PFAS mixture) were only observed in newborns whose mothers had low folate levels. When mothers had adequate folate, these harmful associations largely disappeared or were much weaker. This suggests that folate may act as a protective factor against PFAS-related cellular damage.

The study also found that the effects of some PFAS chemicals differed between male and female newborns, indicating that sex may influence how these chemicals affect developing babies. This is important because it suggests that boys and girls may need different protective strategies.

The research identified that different PFAS chemicals affected mitochondrial DNA in different ways. Some showed straightforward inverse relationships (more chemical exposure meant lower DNA copy numbers), while others showed more complex patterns. This variation is important because it means that not all PFAS chemicals pose equal risks, and future research may be able to identify which ones are most concerning. The sex-specific differences suggest that biological factors related to male and female development may influence vulnerability to these chemicals.

This research builds on earlier studies showing that PFAS chemicals can harm developing fetuses and newborns. Previous research has linked PFAS exposure to reduced birth weight, immune system problems, and other health issues. This study adds to that knowledge by identifying a specific cellular mechanism—damage to mitochondrial function—that may explain how PFAS causes these health problems. The finding that folate may offer protection is relatively novel and aligns with growing evidence that adequate nutrition during pregnancy can buffer against environmental toxins.

The study measured PFAS levels in maternal blood after delivery rather than during pregnancy, which may not perfectly reflect exposure during the critical period of fetal development. The study was observational, meaning researchers observed associations but cannot definitively prove that PFAS causes the mitochondrial changes. The research focused on one geographic area (Boston), so results may not apply equally to all populations. The study measured folate levels at one point in time, but folate needs change throughout pregnancy. Additionally, PFAS chemicals are everywhere in the environment, making it impossible to identify a truly unexposed comparison group.

The Bottom Line

For pregnant women or those planning pregnancy: Ensure adequate folate intake through diet (leafy greens, legumes, fortified grains) or prenatal supplements containing folic acid. The recommended amount is 400-800 micrograms daily. This recommendation has moderate confidence based on this single study combined with existing evidence that folate supports fetal development. Additionally, reduce PFAS exposure where possible by using cast iron or stainless steel cookware instead of non-stick, choosing uncoated food packaging, and filtering drinking water. However, complete avoidance is impossible since these chemicals are widespread. For healthcare providers: Consider discussing folate adequacy with pregnant patients, particularly those in areas with known PFAS contamination.

This research is most relevant to pregnant women and those planning pregnancy, particularly those in areas with known PFAS contamination in water supplies. Women with dietary restrictions that limit folate intake should pay special attention. Healthcare providers caring for pregnant women should be aware of these findings. The general public should care because it highlights the importance of environmental health during pregnancy. However, this single study should not cause alarm—it’s one piece of evidence that needs confirmation through additional research.

The protective effects of folate would need to be present throughout pregnancy to be most effective, so adequate folate intake should begin before conception and continue throughout pregnancy. Any benefits would be reflected in newborn cellular function at birth, though long-term health outcomes would take years to observe. Don’t expect immediate or obvious changes—this research deals with cellular-level changes that may or may not translate to noticeable health differences.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily folate intake in micrograms from food and supplements, aiming for 400-800 micrograms daily. Log sources (prenatal vitamin, leafy greens, fortified cereals) to identify dietary patterns and ensure consistency.
  • Set a daily reminder to take prenatal vitamins containing folic acid at the same time each day. Add one folate-rich food to each meal (spinach in breakfast smoothies, lentils in lunch salads, asparagus with dinner). Switch cooking methods from non-stick to stainless steel or cast iron cookware and log this change.
  • Weekly review of folate intake totals to ensure meeting daily targets. Monthly tracking of dietary folate sources versus supplement sources. If using a water filter, track filter replacement dates to maintain PFAS reduction. Share folate intake data with healthcare provider at prenatal appointments to confirm adequacy.

This research describes associations between prenatal PFAS exposure and newborn cellular changes, with potential protective effects from adequate folate. This is a single observational study and should not be considered definitive medical advice. Pregnant women should discuss PFAS exposure concerns and folate supplementation with their healthcare provider before making changes to their diet or supplement routine. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The findings suggest areas for further research and potential protective strategies but do not establish proven cause-and-effect relationships. Individual risk varies based on location, diet, and other factors.