Overview

• Analysis of 271 pregnant participants showed that higher placental concentrations of mycoestrogens correlate with impaired fetal growth and lower birthweight.
• Zearalenone, a mycoestrogen used in livestock feed, is prevalent in grain-based foods and mimics estrogen to interfere with gestational processes.
• Carriers of the ABCG2 Q141K genetic variant exhibited reduced elimination of mycoestrogens and experienced more pronounced changes in birth outcomes.
• Ultra-processed grain products such as pasta, breakfast cereals and baked goods were identified as significant sources of mycoestrogen exposure during pregnancy.
• With climate change expected to increase mycoestrogen contamination in crops, researchers call for updated dietary guidelines and policy interventions to protect maternal and fetal health.