Perfluoroalkyl Substances during Pregnancy and Offspring Weight and Adiposity at Birth: Examining Mediation by Maternal Fasting Glucose in the Healthy Start Study

BACKGROUND: Certain perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PEAS) are widespread, persistent environmental contaminants. Prenatal PEAS exposure has been associated with lower birth weight; however, impacts on body composition and factors responsible for this association are unknown. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to estimate associations between maternal PFAS concentrations and offspring weight and adiposity at birth, and secondarily to estimate associations between PFAS concentrations and maternal glucose and lipids, and to evaluate the potential for these nutrients to mediate associations between PFAS and neonatal outcomes. METHODS: Within the Healthy Start prospective cohort, concentrations of 11 PEAS, fasting glucose, and lipids were measured in maternal mid pregnancy serum (n = 628). Infant body composition was measured using air displacement plethysmography. Associations between PFAS and birth weight and adiposity, and between PFAS and maternal glucose and lipids, were estimated via linear regression. Associations were decomposed into direct and indirect effects. RESULTS: Five PFAS were delectable in >50% of participants. Maternal perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorononanoate (PFNA) concentrations were inversely associated with birth weight. Adiposity at birth was approximately 10% lower in the highest categories of PFOA, PFNA, and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) compared to the lowest categories. PFOA, PFNA, perfluorodecanoate (PFDeA), and PFHxS were inversely associated with maternal glucose. Up to 11.6% of the effect of PEAS on neonatal adiposity was mediated by maternal glucose concentrations. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was not significantly associated with any outcomes studied. CONCLUSIONS: Follow-up of offspring will determine the potential long-term consequences of lower eight and adiposity at birth associated with prenatal PFAS exposure.