THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MACRO- AND MICRONUTRIENTS IN THE BLOOD OF PREGNANT WOMEN AND FETAL SEX-SPECIFIC INDICATORS IN A MERCURY CONTAMINATED AREA

Most studies have focused on the relationship between certain metals and biometric indicators of the fetus. The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between macro and micronutrient levels in the blood of pregnant women and biometric indicators of male and female fetuses residing in a mercury-contaminated area. The concentrations of 23 macro- and micronutrients in blood samples were determined using ICP-MS. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in essential and toxic elements between male and female fetuses. Due to certain maternal characteristics, sulfur (S), phosphorus (P), iron (Fe), strontium (Sr), and cesium (Cs) levels in the blood of pregnant women were higher in male fetuses than in female fetuses. Conversely, rubidium (Rb) and selenium (Se) showed the opposite pattern. The study identified sex-based differences in the anthropometric parameters of newborns, which could be linked to micronutrient levels in the maternal blood, such as S, P, Fe, Sr, Cs, Se, and Rb. The established correlations between placental weight, newborn growth, and micronutrient concentrations underscore the need for further research to explore their impact on fetal development.