Small amounts of lithium found in drinking water may be linked to an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children, according to a new study published in JAMA Pediatrics. Researchers from Denmark analyzed data from 8,842 cases of ASD and 43,864 participants who did not have ASD, finding that the concentration of lithium in public waterworks was associated with a modest increase in ASD diagnosis.
The study found that pregnant women exposed to higher levels of lithium in drinking water were more likely to give birth to children with autism. Specifically, those with the second and third highest exposure had a 24% to 26% increased risk of ASD diagnosed in children, while those with the highest exposure had a 46% higher risk than those at the lowest level.
However, experts caution that this association does not prove a direct link between lithium exposure and autism. Dr. Beate Ritz, a study co-author, noted that further research is needed to confirm these findings and rule out other factors that may contribute to the association.
"It's an interesting association, but causation is definitely not proven," said Dr. Max Wiznitzer, director of the Rainbow Autism Center at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital in Cleveland. "We have 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."
The study highlights the complexity of autism research, where environmental factors such as air pollution and pesticides have been suggested as potential causes, but none of them has been proven directly linked to the disorder.
Dr. Wiznitzer emphasized that proving causality is challenging due to the numerous environmental stressors we are exposed to on a daily basis. "We need to figure out how to safely navigate these stressors," he said.
The findings also raise questions about public health policy regarding lithium levels in drinking water. Dr. David C. Bellinger, a professor of neurology and psychology at Harvard Medical School, noted that the wisdom of Solomon would be required to develop guidelines for lithium in drinking water that are maximally protective of the entire population.
While the study's results are intriguing, more research is needed to confirm these findings and determine whether small amounts of lithium in drinking water pose a significant risk to children with autism.
The study found that pregnant women exposed to higher levels of lithium in drinking water were more likely to give birth to children with autism. Specifically, those with the second and third highest exposure had a 24% to 26% increased risk of ASD diagnosed in children, while those with the highest exposure had a 46% higher risk than those at the lowest level.
However, experts caution that this association does not prove a direct link between lithium exposure and autism. Dr. Beate Ritz, a study co-author, noted that further research is needed to confirm these findings and rule out other factors that may contribute to the association.
"It's an interesting association, but causation is definitely not proven," said Dr. Max Wiznitzer, director of the Rainbow Autism Center at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital in Cleveland. "We have 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."
The study highlights the complexity of autism research, where environmental factors such as air pollution and pesticides have been suggested as potential causes, but none of them has been proven directly linked to the disorder.
Dr. Wiznitzer emphasized that proving causality is challenging due to the numerous environmental stressors we are exposed to on a daily basis. "We need to figure out how to safely navigate these stressors," he said.
The findings also raise questions about public health policy regarding lithium levels in drinking water. Dr. David C. Bellinger, a professor of neurology and psychology at Harvard Medical School, noted that the wisdom of Solomon would be required to develop guidelines for lithium in drinking water that are maximally protective of the entire population.
While the study's results are intriguing, more research is needed to confirm these findings and determine whether small amounts of lithium in drinking water pose a significant risk to children with autism.
... I mean, can you imagine if the water we're drinking was actually harming our kids? It's like, what's the point of having clean water if it's just gonna contain some stuff that's bad for them? 
I know researchers are saying we need more proof and all that, but still... 24-26% increased risk is a big deal. What about pregnant moms who don't even realize their water's got lithium in it? It's not like they can just switch to bottled water or something. And what about the people who can't afford bottled water? 
It's all pretty scary, you know? I guess we'll just have to keep an eye on this and see what happens next 
. It makes me wonder if there are other environmental factors at play here too. Are pesticides or air pollution having a similar effect? We need more research to figure this out for sure 
.
? I'm not sure it's that simple 
. Maybe we can just say that we're monitoring the situation and keeping an eye on things 
.
. It's not just about one thing being the culprit; it's about understanding all the ways in which our environment can affect our health 
.
. The views were insane and I felt so connected to nature. I saw some wildflowers that were just blooming everywhere and it was like walking through a rainbow 
. I had no idea what kind of plants they were but my friend told me they're called lupines or something... anyway, it got me thinking about how much our environment influences us as humans. Like, we spend so much time indoors staring at screens that we forget to appreciate the little things like fresh air and sunlight 
. Maybe this study on lithium in drinking water is a reminder for us to be more mindful of what we're putting into our bodies... or maybe I'm just overthinking it 
.
its def making me wanna check my local water quality, what if its affecting me too? 
but yeah lets not jump to conclusions yet, experts say we need more research before we can be all like "omg lithium is bad for kids!" 
and btw, how do we even regulate this stuff? 
But seriously, 24-26% increase in ASD diagnosis is no joke. I got a cousin with autism and it's been super tough for him. If this study is saying that even small amounts can cause problems, what about the people who live near factories or something? Are they basically doomed just because of where they live? 
This whole thing needs way more research, imo 
what if we did some tests and found out it's not just autism but like who knows what else? 
gotta do some more research before we start freaking out 
and it's all like "wait but is it really causation?" 
like what's the safe level tho? 
anyways gotta keep an eye on this one 
.
. Like, what even is going on? The researchers found that women who were exposed to more lithium during pregnancy had a higher risk of giving birth to autistic babies 
. And the amounts are tiny, we're talking about like super small amounts 
.
. It's like, what even is the goal here? To make sure everyone has access to clean water while also keeping us from getting autism? 
OMG I'm so shocked by this study! Like, who knew that even tiny amounts of lithium in our drinking water could be linked to autism? 
We need more research ASAP to confirm these findings and make sure we're not exposing our kids to something that could harm them. 
I'm not saying we should freak out or anything, but if even a small amount of lithium can affect autism rates in kids, that's like, whoa 
.