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Low Birth weight in new born, anaemia in pregnancy in Fluoride endemic areas of Rajasthan Free

Rajasthan has been documenting severe anaemia in pregnancy, resulting in low birth weight. Current study was planned to explore potential linkages between exposure to fluoride, anaemia in pregnancy and low birth weight in infant.

Antenatal mothers from one fluoride endemic district (FD) and one non-fluoride endemic district (NFD) of western Rajasthan were recruited and followed up till delivery. Data included socio-demographic, lifestyle, diet, medication history. Lab Investigations included Hb, Urinary Fluoride.

Out of total 1401 women, mean age of women from FD were 23.87 (+ 3.8) yrs and from NFD were 25.53(+ 3.82) yrs. Mean fluoride values in the urine samples of pregnant females were found to be 2.06 (0.0 to 14.4 mg/L) in FD and 1.43 (0.00 to 12.7 mg/L) in NFD. Mean fluoride values in water samples were 0.72 (0.0 to 3.80 mg/L) in FD and 0.21 (0.0 to 2.69 mg/L) in NFD. Mean weight of newborn from FD were 2.92 (+ 0.47) yrs and from NFD were 2.94 (+ 0.56) kg. 22% Newborn in FD and 18% in NFD had low birth weight.

Infants born in Fluoride endemic area have lower birth weight as compared to non-Fluoride endemic area. Antenatal women in Fluoride endemic areas are more anaemic.

Fluoride endemicity is an important factor to be considered while addressing Anaemia in pregnancy and Low Birth Weight Babies in Western Rajasthan, India.