The association of fluoride in drinking water with serum calcium, vitamin D and parathyroid hormone in pregnant women and newborn infants

Background Chronic exposure to fluoride in drinking water causes an increase in plasma fluoride levels that is related to a reduction in calcium transport across the renal tubule endoplasmic reticulum and plasma membrane. In the present study, it was hypothesised that varying levels of fluoride present in drinking water are associated with serum levels of calcium and the related hormones vitamin D and parathyroid hormone in pregnant women and newborn infants. Methods This cross-sectional study included two groups based on the fluoride concentration in drinking water. One group was considered low/optimum in which the fluoride concentration in drinking water was