The Mendelian randomization analysis of trace elements Zinc, Selenium, Copper, Iron, and Phosphate with congenital foot deformities.

Congenital foot deformities are complex diseases influenced by genetic, environmental, and nutritional factors. In recent years, research has increasingly focused on the effects of trace elements during pregnancy (such as zinc, selenium, copper, iron, and phosphate) on fetal development. Although observational studies suggest that these trace elements may be associated with congenital deformities, their causal relationship remains unclear. This study employs the Mendelian Randomization method, using genetic variants as instrumental variables for analysis. The results show that although the OR for Zinc is 92.21 (95% CI: 0.0008-10098024, p = 0.445), for Selenium the OR is 6.21 x 10-6 (95% CI: 2.71 x 10-15-14233.68, p = 0.276), for Copper the OR is 0.96 (95% CI: 0.823-1.128, p = 0.646), for Iron the OR is 0.023 (95% CI: 2.10 x 10-8-24289.32, p = 0.593), and for Phosphate the OR is 0.96 (95% CI: 0.667-1.374, p = 0.812). These data did not reach statistical significance, suggesting that the causal relationship between the levels of these trace elements and congenital foot deformities is unclear. However, further analysis revealed that selenium may reduce the risk of congenital foot deformities by regulating the gut microbiota class.Bacilli, with a significant interaction observed between selenium and this microbiota. Although sensitivity analyses (IVW and MR Egger methods) were unable to confirm the direct effect of selenium on congenital foot deformities, considering the role of class.Bacilli.id.1673 strengthened seleniums indirect effect. Despite the overall results not reaching statistical significance, this study provides new clues for further exploration of the complex relationships between trace elements, gut microbiota, and congenital deformities, particularly the potential role of gut microbiota in modulating the relationship between nutritional elements and developmental abnormalities.