Investigating how water fluoridation affects birth outcomes

Evaluating the effect of water fluoridation on adverse birth outcomes

NIH-funded research Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10907845

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionColumbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10907845 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant individuals living in California who are exposed to fluoridated water.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those living in areas without fluoridated water may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.