Lithium as Neglected Drinking Water Parameter and Effect on Foetal Growth: A Review

Abstract

Lithium (Li) is a heavy metal that is very important currently due to its use in several industrial activities. Recently, Li has been regarded as an emerging environmental pollutant and has attracted many researchers globally due to its availability and high environmental concentration, especially in surface water. Several neonatal health impacts due to Li exposure from drinking water were extensively studied and reviewed previously, such as prematurity, miscarriages, and hypothyroidism. However, a dearth of reviews focuses on Li drinking water exposure to fetus growth impact. We searched articles published between January 1, 1990, and September 10, 2024, using three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science). A total of 24 articles were eliminated during the screening process. Ultimately, just one article (n = 1) was approved and featured in this review. In the particular study, they found a negative correlation between maternal blood Li levels (median 25; range 1.9–145 μg/L) and urine (1645; 105–4600 μg/L) and all fetus measurements (body, head, and femur) during the second trimester, as well as birth length. A rise of 100 μg/L in blood Li was generally linked to a 2 cm (about one standard deviation) reduction in birth length and fetus growth. Existing evidence indicates a negative association between Li exposure from drinking water and fetus growth. Additionally, long-term health implications for offspring exposed to Li in utero, mainly through drinking water, are under-researched, calling for more comprehensive studies that explore both immediate and chronic health outcomes.