Born Smart

A study of umbilical cord blood from children in New York City provided evidence of an epigenetic alteration in the gene ACSL3. The cause for the mutation of this gene were attributed to prenatal exposure to (PAHs) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons of which high levels are present in heavy traffic areas. Exposure to these chemicals has been linked to cancer and childhood asthma.

The senior author of the study Shuk-mei Ho, PhD said, “Our data support the concept that environmental exposures can interact with genes during key developmental periods to trigger disease onset later in life, and that tissues are being reprogrammed to become abnormal later.”

There are few people in this world that can afford to pack up and move, especially when they find out they’re pregnant. So what do you do if you live or work in a heavy traffic area? There are studies that showed how a pregnant mother can protect her baby from the toxic effects of BPA with sufficient folate intake and another found antioxidants can reduce the effects of lead. Even though there is no evidence that good nutrition can protect your baby from air pollution, previous studies point to the possibility.  It is your only option, apart from moving to a less polluted environment.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090214082110.htm