Longitudinal Assessment of Methylmercury and Gut Microbes During Pregnancy

Methylmercury is a potent neurotoxin, and the fetal period is the most vulnerable exposure period. There is significant variability in methylmercury metabolism, which has been attributed to differences in the structure and function of the gut microbiome. Our main objective was to better understand the interplay between gut microorganisms and methylmercury metabolism during pregnancy. To address this aim, associations were investigated between maternal biomarkers (blood, hair, stool) for prenatal methylmercury exposure and maternal gut microbiota during early and late gestation.]]> Eligible mothers were in good general health, between 18-45 years old, expecting a singleton birth, and within 14 weeks of the last menstrual period. Mothers receiving antibiotic treatment within the previous two weeks were ineligible. There were no additional exclusion criteria.]]> From October 2014 through March 2016, mothers were recruited at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, South Carolina, USA.]]>