Investigating how water fluoridation affects birth outcomes
Official title: Evaluating the effect of water fluoridation on adverse birth outcomes
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10907845 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how fluoride in drinking water might affect pregnancy outcomes, like preterm births or low birth weights, to help expectant moms in California understand if they need to be concerned about fluoride during their pregnancy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R00ES033274-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10907845 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant individuals living in California who are exposed to fluoridated water.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those living in areas without fluoridated water may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to understand the impact of community water fluoridation on adverse birth outcomes in California. It will analyze data from birth records to determine if exposure to fluoride during pregnancy is linked to risks such as preterm birth or low birth weight. The study will also identify specific groups of pregnant individuals who may be more vulnerable to the effects of fluoride. By examining variations in water fluoridation practices over the past 25 years, the research seeks to provide insights into the safety of fluoride in drinking water for expectant mothers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved guidelines for water fluoridation and better health outcomes for pregnant individuals and their babies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in other countries have suggested potential risks associated with high fluoride levels in drinking water, indicating that this research could build on existing findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goin, Dana E — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Goin, Dana E
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.