Summary
This Mendelian randomization study provides genetic evidence that maternal BMI and fasting glucose are causally associated with higher offspring birth weight, whilst maternal systolic blood pressure is associated with lower birth weight. Using data from 30,487 newborns across 18 population-based cohorts, the authors estimated that a one standard deviation genetically higher maternal BMI was associated with 55 g higher offspring birth weight, and a one SD higher maternal fasting glucose was associated with 114 g higher birth weight, supporting causal rather than merely observational relationships.
Regional applicability
This study included European ancestry participants from population- and community-based cohorts in Europe, North America, and Australia, which provides relevant transferability to United Kingdom populations. The findings on maternal metabolic traits and birth weight outcomes are applicable to UK antenatal care and maternal health policy, though the genetic architecture may differ in non-European ancestry populations.
Key measures
Offspring birth weight (grams); maternal genetic scores for BMI, fasting glucose, systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, vitamin D status, and adiponectin
Outcomes reported
The study used Mendelian randomization to test causal associations between maternal BMI and related metabolic traits (fasting glucose, systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, vitamin D, adiponectin) and offspring birth weight across 30,487 newborns from 18 cohorts. Birth weight ranged from 3325–3679 g across cohorts.
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