A pilot study of 33 pregnant women in New Jersey found that zearalenone, a toxic substance in contaminated grains, was detected in every single urine sample tested, with Hispanic women showing 52-109% higher exposure levels than non-Hispanic women. According to Gram Research analysis, corn and grain-based foods were the strongest dietary sources of this endocrine-disrupting chemical, suggesting that pregnant women may reduce exposure by limiting consumption of these products.
A new pilot study found that pregnant women in New Jersey are exposed to zearalenone, a harmful substance found in contaminated grains, through everyday foods like corn and cereal. Researchers tested 33 pregnant women at different stages of pregnancy and discovered that every single urine sample contained traces of this toxin. The study also found that Hispanic women had significantly higher levels of exposure than non-Hispanic women. By identifying which foods carry the most of this toxin, scientists hope to help pregnant women reduce their exposure to this chemical that may affect their baby’s development.
Key Statistics
A 2026 pilot study of 33 pregnant women found that zearalenone, a grain-contaminating toxin, was detected in 100% of urine samples collected across three visits during pregnancy, with median concentrations ranging from 0.042 to 0.058 nanograms per milligram.
Hispanic pregnant women in the Jersey Babies pilot study had 52-109% higher zearalenone concentrations compared to non-Hispanic participants, suggesting potential disparities in exposure to this endocrine-disrupting chemical.
A 2026 study of 33 pregnant women found strong correlations between corn and grain product consumption and urinary zearalenone levels, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.30 to 0.92, identifying these foods as key exposure pathways.
The Jersey Babies pilot study detected zearalenone metabolites in pregnant women with intraclass correlation coefficients ranging from 0.62 to 0.95 across visits, indicating consistent and reliable measurement of this mycotoxin exposure throughout pregnancy.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether pregnant women are exposed to zearalenone (a toxic substance in contaminated grains) and which foods contain the most of it
- Who participated: 33 pregnant women in New Brunswick, New Jersey, tested at three different points during their pregnancy (around weeks 18-20, 24-26, and 28-32)
- Key finding: Every single pregnant woman tested had detectable levels of zearalenone in her urine, and Hispanic women had 52-109% higher levels than non-Hispanic women. Corn and grain products were the strongest dietary sources of this toxin.
- What it means for you: If you’re pregnant, reducing consumption of corn and grain-based products may lower your exposure to this potentially harmful substance. However, this is a small pilot study, so more research is needed before making major dietary changes. Talk to your doctor about your specific situation.
The Research Details
This pilot study followed 33 pregnant women in New Jersey across three visits during their pregnancy. At each visit (around weeks 18-20, 24-26, and 28-32 of pregnancy), the women provided urine samples and reported everything they ate in the previous 24 hours. Researchers then tested the urine samples to measure how much zearalenone and related substances were present.
Zearalenone is a toxic substance produced by mold that grows on grains like corn, wheat, and barley. It acts like the hormone estrogen in the body, which is why scientists are concerned about its effects during pregnancy. The researchers wanted to figure out which foods were the main sources of this toxin in pregnant women’s diets.
The study was designed as a pilot, meaning it’s a small test run to gather initial information before conducting a larger study. The researchers measured the toxin levels in urine because this is a non-invasive way to track exposure over time.
Understanding which foods expose pregnant women to zearalenone is crucial because animal studies show this toxin can harm reproductive development and pregnancy outcomes. By identifying the main dietary sources, public health officials can focus on improving food safety for grains and helping pregnant women make informed food choices. This pilot study provides the groundwork for larger studies that could confirm whether reducing exposure actually improves pregnancy outcomes.
This is a small pilot study with only 33 participants, so the results may not apply to all pregnant women. The study was well-designed with repeated measurements across pregnancy, which strengthens the findings. The fact that every single sample contained detectable zearalenone is a strong indicator that exposure is widespread. However, the study only included women in one location (New Jersey), so results might differ in other parts of the country. The researchers used reliable laboratory methods (LC/MSMS) to measure the toxin, which is a strength.
What the Results Show
The most striking finding was that zearalenone was detected in every single urine sample collected from all 33 pregnant women across all three visits. The levels were relatively consistent throughout pregnancy, with median concentrations ranging from 0.042 to 0.058 nanograms per milligram of urine.
A major discovery was that Hispanic participants had significantly higher zearalenone levels than non-Hispanic participants—52% to 109% higher depending on the visit. This suggests that dietary patterns or food sources may differ between these groups, or that certain populations may be consuming more contaminated foods.
When researchers looked at what the women ate, they found strong connections between consuming corn and grain products and higher zearalenone levels in urine. The correlation was very strong (ranging from 0.30 to 0.92 on a scale where 1.0 is a perfect match), meaning that on days when women ate more corn or cereal-based foods, their urine contained more of the toxin. Oils and popcorn showed weaker but still positive connections to zearalenone exposure.
The study found that zearalenone levels remained relatively stable throughout pregnancy, with no major increases or decreases across the three visits. This suggests that exposure is consistent rather than spiking at particular times. The researchers also noted that the measurements were reliable and consistent when they re-tested samples, indicating the laboratory methods were sound. Additionally, the study identified that multiple metabolites (breakdown products) of zearalenone were present, suggesting the body processes this toxin in several ways.
This is one of the first U.S. studies to measure zearalenone exposure in pregnant women and link it to specific foods. Previous research in animals has shown that zearalenone can disrupt reproductive development and pregnancy outcomes, but human studies are limited. According to Gram Research analysis, this pilot study fills an important gap by showing that widespread exposure exists in the U.S. and identifying corn and grain products as the primary dietary sources. The finding that Hispanic women have higher exposure levels is new and suggests that future research should examine whether certain populations face disproportionate exposure.
The biggest limitation is the small sample size of only 33 women, all from one location in New Jersey. Results may not apply to pregnant women in other parts of the country where different foods are consumed or where grain contamination levels differ. The study relied on women’s memory of what they ate in the past 24 hours, which can be inaccurate. The researchers couldn’t determine exactly which specific corn or grain products were contaminated, only that consumption of these foods correlated with higher toxin levels. Additionally, the study couldn’t prove that zearalenone exposure actually harms pregnancy outcomes—it only measured exposure levels. Finally, the study didn’t measure zearalenone in the actual foods, so researchers couldn’t determine contamination levels directly.
The Bottom Line
Based on this pilot study, pregnant women may consider reducing consumption of corn and grain-based products, though this recommendation should be discussed with a healthcare provider. The evidence is moderate because this is a small pilot study, and more research is needed to confirm whether reducing exposure actually improves pregnancy outcomes. Until larger studies are completed, a balanced approach—eating a variety of foods rather than relying heavily on corn and grains—seems reasonable. Healthcare providers should be aware that zearalenone exposure appears widespread in the U.S. and may want to counsel pregnant patients accordingly.
Pregnant women and women planning pregnancy should be aware of this research, particularly Hispanic women who showed higher exposure levels. Healthcare providers caring for pregnant patients should consider discussing grain and corn consumption. Public health officials and food safety regulators should prioritize monitoring zearalenone contamination in U.S. grain supplies. Parents of young children may also want to be aware, as the study suggests children may have similar exposure through their diets. People without pregnancy concerns can likely disregard these findings for now, though the general public may benefit from improved food safety monitoring.
If a pregnant woman reduces her consumption of corn and grain products, zearalenone levels in her urine would likely decrease within days to weeks, based on the study’s findings that daily food consumption correlates with daily toxin levels. However, this study didn’t measure whether reducing exposure actually improves pregnancy or birth outcomes, so the timeline for health benefits remains unknown. Larger studies would be needed to determine whether lower exposure during pregnancy leads to better outcomes for mother and baby.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is zearalenone in food dangerous during pregnancy?
Animal studies show zearalenone can disrupt reproductive development, but human studies are limited. This pilot study found widespread exposure in pregnant women, with corn and grains as main sources. More research is needed to confirm health risks in humans.
Which foods have the most zearalenone?
This study found strong correlations between corn products, cereals, and other grain-based foods with zearalenone exposure. Specific contaminated products weren’t identified, but reducing corn and grain consumption may lower exposure.
Why do Hispanic women have higher zearalenone levels?
The study found Hispanic participants had 52-109% higher levels but didn’t explain why. Possible reasons include dietary patterns, specific food sources, or differences in grain contamination. More research is needed to understand this disparity.
Should pregnant women avoid corn and grains completely?
This pilot study suggests reducing consumption of corn and grain products may lower exposure, but it’s too small to recommend complete avoidance. Discuss dietary changes with your healthcare provider, as grains provide important nutrients during pregnancy.
How can I reduce my family’s zearalenone exposure?
Based on this study, limiting corn and grain-based foods and eating a variety of other foods may help. Choosing organic grains when possible and varying grain sources could reduce exposure, though more research is needed on effectiveness.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track daily corn and grain product consumption (servings of cereal, corn, bread, tortillas, popcorn) and correlate with any pregnancy symptoms or concerns. Users could log: servings of corn, cereal, bread, and grain-based foods daily, noting any changes in energy, digestion, or other symptoms.
- Users can set a goal to reduce corn and grain-based foods to 1-2 servings daily instead of 3+, replacing them with fruits, vegetables, and proteins. The app could suggest specific swaps: rice cakes instead of cereal, sweet potatoes instead of corn, or quinoa instead of wheat bread.
- Over 2-4 weeks, track grain consumption patterns and any changes in how you feel. If working with a healthcare provider, share this data at prenatal visits to discuss whether dietary changes are appropriate for your situation. The app could generate weekly reports showing grain consumption trends and correlations with other tracked health metrics.
This research is a small pilot study with 33 participants and should not be used as the sole basis for major dietary changes during pregnancy. Pregnant women should consult with their healthcare provider before significantly altering their diet, as grains and corn products provide important nutrients needed during pregnancy. This study measured exposure levels but did not prove that zearalenone exposure causes harm in humans. The findings are preliminary and require confirmation through larger studies. Individual circumstances vary, and personalized medical advice from a qualified healthcare provider is essential.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.