Lithium levels in drinking water may be linked to an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children, according to a new study published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics. The research found a modest association between lithium exposure and ASD diagnosis in Denmark, where the levels of lithium in tap water are similar to those in US water systems.
The study analyzed data from 8,842 cases of ASD and 43,864 participants who did not have ASD, and found that as lithium levels in water increased, so did the risk of an ASD diagnosis. Specifically, children born to pregnant women exposed to high levels of lithium had a 24% to 26% higher risk of ASD diagnosis compared to those with lower exposure.
However, experts caution that this association does not necessarily mean that lithium exposure leads directly to an autism diagnosis. "Any drinking water contaminants that may affect the developing human brain deserve intense scrutiny," said Dr. Beate Ritz, a study co-author and professor at UCLA. Further research is needed to understand whether there is a causal link between lithium exposure and ASD.
The implications of this finding are complex, as some studies have suggested connections between ASD and environmental exposures to things like pesticides, air pollution, and phthalates. However, none of these factors have been shown to be directly causally linked to the disorder.
"It's an interesting association," said Dr. Max Wiznitzer, director of the Rainbow Autism Center at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital in Cleveland. "But causation is definitely not proven. We need to see if there's a viable and biologically plausible mechanism by which a small amount of lithium in the water supply can somehow do this."
Dr. Wiznitzer noted that other studies have suggested connections between ASD and environmental exposures, but these findings are often difficult to prove due to the complexity of the disorder. "We're bombarded with a variety of environmental stressors in our everyday lives," he said. "We need to figure out how to safely navigate them."
The study's findings highlight the importance of monitoring drinking water quality and studying the potential effects of environmental contaminants on human health. As Dr. Ritz noted, further research is needed to understand whether lithium exposure contributes to the development of ASD.
The study analyzed data from 8,842 cases of ASD and 43,864 participants who did not have ASD, and found that as lithium levels in water increased, so did the risk of an ASD diagnosis. Specifically, children born to pregnant women exposed to high levels of lithium had a 24% to 26% higher risk of ASD diagnosis compared to those with lower exposure.
However, experts caution that this association does not necessarily mean that lithium exposure leads directly to an autism diagnosis. "Any drinking water contaminants that may affect the developing human brain deserve intense scrutiny," said Dr. Beate Ritz, a study co-author and professor at UCLA. Further research is needed to understand whether there is a causal link between lithium exposure and ASD.
The implications of this finding are complex, as some studies have suggested connections between ASD and environmental exposures to things like pesticides, air pollution, and phthalates. However, none of these factors have been shown to be directly causally linked to the disorder.
"It's an interesting association," said Dr. Max Wiznitzer, director of the Rainbow Autism Center at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital in Cleveland. "But causation is definitely not proven. We need to see if there's a viable and biologically plausible mechanism by which a small amount of lithium in the water supply can somehow do this."
Dr. Wiznitzer noted that other studies have suggested connections between ASD and environmental exposures, but these findings are often difficult to prove due to the complexity of the disorder. "We're bombarded with a variety of environmental stressors in our everyday lives," he said. "We need to figure out how to safely navigate them."
The study's findings highlight the importance of monitoring drinking water quality and studying the potential effects of environmental contaminants on human health. As Dr. Ritz noted, further research is needed to understand whether lithium exposure contributes to the development of ASD.
I'm literally freaking out thinking about this... Like, what if our own tap water is secretly sabotaging our kids?! 
The idea that even small amounts of lithium in drinking water might be linked to an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children is just too much for me... 24-26% higher risk? That's like, a whole different level of scary! 
I mean, we already know how important it is to minimize exposure to toxins and pollutants, but this takes it to a whole new level. What are we even doing?! We need to be vigilant about monitoring our water quality and getting to the bottom of this ASAP! 
. We need more evidence before we start worrying about our water being the cause of ASD. Maybe it's time to get to the bottom of this one, but also let's not forget that there are so many other factors at play here...it's a bit of a puzzle 
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. We need to get more research done, like, ASAP, so we can start making changes. Our water supply should be safe for us to drink without worrying about turning into science experiments 
. Let's wait for more concrete evidence before jumping on this bandwagon 
. Now we're finding links between lithium and autism and it's like "wait a minute" 
. And the thing is, experts are saying it's not a direct link, but still, how do you know? It's all about those pesky environmental factors 
. I'm not saying it's a direct cause and effect, but 24-26% higher risk is still pretty wild. It makes me wonder if there are other environmental factors at play that we're not even thinking about yet. Like, what if exposure to pesticides or air pollution is actually linked to ASD too? 
We need more research to figure out the real deal here. But one thing's for sure - we gotta keep monitoring our drinking water quality and stay on top of potential contaminants 
. This study might be just the starting point for a bigger conversation...
it sounds crazy but honestly i think its because of the weird connection between umami flavors and dopamine release in our brains 
maybe lithium has something to do with that too or maybe im just reading way too much into this whole thing 
anyway, have you guys tried those new plant-based milks? i heard theyre actually pretty good for you 
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I'm not surprised to hear about this new study linking high lithium levels in drinking water to an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children... think about all those battery packs and laptops we're always plugging in around us... 
But at the same time, it's not like they're saying that drinking tap water is directly causing ASD or anything. It's more like, "Hey, let's keep an eye on this and do some more research." You know, for our own safety... 
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