Thyroid Dysfunction Linked To Common Water Pollutant in Breast Milk

The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has reported that a common drinking water pollutant, perchlorate, which accumulates in breast milk, has been linked to thyroid dysfunction. Concerns have been recognized in the past, but the most recent research has shown that this pollutant may pose a greater hazard than previously thought.

Dr. Nancy Carrasco, of Albert Einstein College of Medicine, states that her study “suggests that high levels of perchlorate may pose a particular risk to infants. Nursing mothers exposed to high levels…in drinking water may not only provide less iodide to their babies, but their milk may actually pass on [the pollutant], which could further deprive the infants’ thyroid glands of iodide.” Iodide is crucial for normal development of the central nervous system and, without these thyroid hormones, babies may become mentally impaired.

As frightening as this may sound, we have to keep in mind that the main study was conducted in rats and in in vitro studies. This does not mean that every breastfeeding mother has this pollutant at high levels in her milk. If concerned, see your doctor.