Modulation effects of folic acid and vitamin D on the relationships between prenatal cumulative phthalate exposure and preschoolers’ emotional and behavioral problems

Background: The results of current population-based studies exploring the effects of prenatal phthalate exposure on children’s behavioral problems are not completely consistent. In addition, it is not clear whether vitamins improve phthalate-induced health risks. Methods: This study was based on the...

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Main Authors: Li-wen Chen, Xin Chen, Chen Han, Bei-bei Zhu, Yi-fan Wang, Yuan Liu, Min-min Jiang, Ya-fei Wang, Chun-han Shan, Hua-yan Mo, Kun Huang, Hui Gao, Fang-biao Tao
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-02-01
Series:Environment International
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412025000352
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Summary:Background: The results of current population-based studies exploring the effects of prenatal phthalate exposure on children’s behavioral problems are not completely consistent. In addition, it is not clear whether vitamins improve phthalate-induced health risks. Methods: This study was based on the Ma’anshan Birth Cohort, which included 2910 mother-child pairs. To assess children’s behavior, we used the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). A latent category growth model was used to model the scores of each subscale of the SDQ. Quantile g-computation and Bayesian kernel machine regression were applied to analyze the effect of prenatal cumulative phthalate exposure. Results: Prenatal cumulative phthalate exposure was associated with the “borderline and abnormal emotional symptoms” trajectory (β = 0.146, 95 % CI = −0.0003, 0.292), affecting girls more in emotional areas, and boys in conduct areas. There was an interaction effect between folic acid supplementation, vitamin D levels and phthalate mixtures on the risk of abnormal emotional behavior in children, which was reflected mainly in prosocial behavior and conduct problems. Conclusions: Prenatal cumulative phthalate exposure increased the risk of abnormal emotional symptoms in children, and there were sex differences. The duration of folic acid supplementation and vitamin D level can affect the effects of cumulative phthalate exposure on emotion and behavior.
ISSN:0160-4120