New Study Suggests Link Between Lithium in Drinking Water and Autism Spectrum Disorder Risk
A recent study published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics has found a modestly higher risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis in children born to pregnant people exposed to tap water with higher levels of lithium. However, experts caution that this association does not necessarily mean a direct link between lithium exposure and an increased risk of ASD.
According to the study, approximately 1 in 36 children in the US is diagnosed with ASD each year. The researchers, who focused on Denmark where lithium levels in drinking water are similar to those found in American systems, checked a database of people with psychiatric disorders for information on 8,842 cases of ASD and 43,864 participants without ASD.
The study found that as lithium levels in water increased, the risk of an ASD diagnosis also rose. Specifically, children whose mothers consumed tap water with higher lithium levels during pregnancy had a 24% to 26% higher risk of ASD diagnosed compared to those exposed to lower levels.
However, experts say that more research is needed to fully understand this association. "Any drinking water contaminants that may affect the developing human brain deserve intense scrutiny," said Dr. Beate Ritz, co-author of the study and a professor at UCLA.
While some studies have suggested connections between ASD and environmental exposures to pesticides, air pollution, and phthalates, none have identified these factors as direct causes of the disorder. "There's a lot of speculation about environmental factors, but how many of them are truly causally associated?" said Dr. Max Wiznitzer, director of the Rainbow Autism Center.
The study highlights the need for further research into the potential effects of lithium on fetal brain development and the long-term consequences of exposure to this element in drinking water. As Dr. Ritz noted, "Until the basic biology of ASD is better understood, it will be difficult to distinguish causal from spurious associations."
In light of these findings, policymakers must carefully consider the implications for public health policy, particularly when it comes to regulating lithium levels in drinking water. As one expert put it, "If all these associations are valid, the wisdom of Solomon will be required to develop guidelines for lithium in drinking water that are maximally protective of the entire population."
A recent study published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics has found a modestly higher risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis in children born to pregnant people exposed to tap water with higher levels of lithium. However, experts caution that this association does not necessarily mean a direct link between lithium exposure and an increased risk of ASD.
According to the study, approximately 1 in 36 children in the US is diagnosed with ASD each year. The researchers, who focused on Denmark where lithium levels in drinking water are similar to those found in American systems, checked a database of people with psychiatric disorders for information on 8,842 cases of ASD and 43,864 participants without ASD.
The study found that as lithium levels in water increased, the risk of an ASD diagnosis also rose. Specifically, children whose mothers consumed tap water with higher lithium levels during pregnancy had a 24% to 26% higher risk of ASD diagnosed compared to those exposed to lower levels.
However, experts say that more research is needed to fully understand this association. "Any drinking water contaminants that may affect the developing human brain deserve intense scrutiny," said Dr. Beate Ritz, co-author of the study and a professor at UCLA.
While some studies have suggested connections between ASD and environmental exposures to pesticides, air pollution, and phthalates, none have identified these factors as direct causes of the disorder. "There's a lot of speculation about environmental factors, but how many of them are truly causally associated?" said Dr. Max Wiznitzer, director of the Rainbow Autism Center.
The study highlights the need for further research into the potential effects of lithium on fetal brain development and the long-term consequences of exposure to this element in drinking water. As Dr. Ritz noted, "Until the basic biology of ASD is better understood, it will be difficult to distinguish causal from spurious associations."
In light of these findings, policymakers must carefully consider the implications for public health policy, particularly when it comes to regulating lithium levels in drinking water. As one expert put it, "If all these associations are valid, the wisdom of Solomon will be required to develop guidelines for lithium in drinking water that are maximally protective of the entire population."
I'm kinda worried about this new study, y'know? It's not like they're saying it's a direct link or anything, but 24-26% is still a pretty big jump. My cousin has a kid with autism and I've always wondered if there was something in the water that could have triggered it. I mean, lithium levels are already pretty high in some areas, so this just makes me wanna check what's in my tap water more often 
. But at the same time, I get where they're coming from - we need to be careful about what we're exposing our babies to, you know? 
. I mean, can you imagine if this was a tobacco company sponsorin' an event at your kid's school? "Hey kids, thanks for comin' to smoke-free Autism Awareness Day!" 
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. I'm not saying it's nothing, but it's not like, a guarantee that your kid will develop ASD if you drink tap water with high lithium levels or whatever. We need to do more research and get a better understanding of how all these factors interact before we start making sweeping changes to our public health policies 
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. So, while it's interesting stuff, I'm not sure we should take it as gospel just yet 
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But isn't lithium good for mental health or something?
about autism and lithium and stuff... so like does it mean that all tap water is bad now? 
. What's next, fluoride levels and ADHD risk? Or how about lead levels and cognitive function? We need to be careful not to create a nanny state where the government dictates every aspect of our lives 
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A study found a link between drinking water with high levels of lithium and an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder. Not saying it's a done deal, but 24-26% higher risk is like getting an F in chemistry - you might want to rethink your tap water habits during pregnancy! 
Meanwhile, experts are all "hmmm" about whether there's a direct link or just some random correlation 
I'm not surprised to hear about this study, to be honest. Like, I've been saying it for ages, a balanced diet and mental health support are key 
