Children exposed to higher fluoride levels tend to have lower IQs: study
The ongoing debate surrounding the benefits and risks of fluoride in the U.S. water supply has been reignited by RFK Jr., President Trump’s pick for HHS secretary, who is pushing for its removal. According to RFK Jr., fluoride is an industrial waste linked to a range of health issues including arthritis, bone fractures, bone cancer, IQ loss, neurodevelopmental disorders, and thyroid disease.
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics on Jan. 6 has added fuel to the fire, finding a correlation between fluoride exposure and children’s IQs. The study, led by scientists at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), analyzed 74 epidemiological studies from 10 countries, all of which reported a significant association between higher fluoride exposure and lower children’s IQ scores.
While fluoridated water has been used for decades to improve oral health and reduce dental cavities, concerns have been raised about the excessive fluoride exposure pregnant women and children may be getting from various sources such as drinking water, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, and water-added foods and beverages.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has set the upper safe limit of fluoride in drinking water at 1.5mg/L, while the U.S. Public Health Service recommends a fluoride concentration of 0.7 mg/L. However, the recent study found that for every 1mg/L increase in urinary fluoride, there was a 1.63-point decrease in IQ.
In response to the study, Dr. Ellie Phillips, DDS, an oral health educator, expressed her opposition to water fluoridation, questioning why water supplies are still fluoridated in the 21st century. She highlighted the conflicting views within the dental community, with the American Dental Association advocating for fluoride use for cavity prevention while holistic dentists urge patients to avoid fluoride entirely.
Phillips emphasized the importance of individuals taking charge of their own oral health using natural and informed strategies, considering the varying fluoride compounds, concentrations, and the difference between topical application and ingestion of fluoride.
Overall, the study’s findings suggest that pregnant women and parents of young children should be mindful of their total fluoride intake and consider alternatives such as low-fluoride bottled water. The debate surrounding fluoride’s impact on public health continues to evolve, with research like this serving as a foundation for future investigations into the potential risks and benefits of fluoride exposure.
