New research reveals alarming links between fluoride exposure and children’s cognitive development, raising concerns about current fluoridation practices.
At a Glance
- Higher fluoride exposure during pregnancy linked to increased neurobehavioral problems in children
- Study finds association between elevated fluoride levels and lower IQ scores in children
- National Toxicology Program reports moderate confidence in link between high fluoride exposure and lower IQ
- Findings prompt reevaluation of fluoride use in water supplies and dental care
Prenatal Fluoride Exposure and Childhood Development
A groundbreaking study from the Keck School of Medicine of USC has shed light on the potential risks of prenatal fluoride exposure. The research, the first of its kind conducted in the United States, investigated the relationship between fluoride exposure during pregnancy and childhood social, emotional, and behavioral functioning.
The study’s findings are particularly concerning, as they suggest that even relatively low levels of fluoride exposure can have significant impacts on child development. A 0.68 mg/L increase in fluoride exposure was associated with nearly double the chance of neurobehavioral problems in children.
“Women with higher fluoride exposure levels in their bodies during pregnancy tended to rate their 3-year-old children higher on overall neurobehavioral problems and internalizing symptoms, including emotional reactivity, anxiety and somatic complaints,” said Tracy Bastain, PhD, a senior author of the study.
Once again, @RobertKennedyJr is proven right. A new study from JAMA Pediatrics shows high fluoride exposure can damage developing brains and lower the IQs of our children. @ChildrensHD @calleymeans@nytimes #MAHA #ConfirmRFK pic.twitter.com/49rThDQeTZ
— M. C. Armstrong (@mcarmystrong) January 12, 2025
Fluoride Exposure and IQ: A Troubling Connection
Further research has uncovered a disturbing link between fluoride exposure and children’s IQ levels. A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found a statistically significant association between higher fluoride exposure and lower IQs in children. The research indicated that for every 1mg/L increase in urinary fluoride, there was a 1.63-point decrease in IQ.
“The NTP monograph concluded, with moderate confidence, that higher levels of fluoride exposure, such as drinking water containing more than 1.5 milligrams of fluoride per liter, are associated with lower IQ in children,” read the study’s findings.
These findings align with six previous meta-analyses showing similar inverse associations between fluoride exposure and children’s IQs. The National Toxicology Program (NTP) conducted a systematic review, evaluating 74 studies on children’s IQ and fluoride exposure, with 22 rated as high quality.
Reevaluating Fluoride Use in Public Health
The World Health Organization (WHO) has set 1.5mg/L as the upper safe limit for fluoride in drinking water, while the U.S. Public Health Service recommends 0.7 mg/L. However, these new studies suggest that even these levels may be too high, particularly for pregnant women and young children.
“There are no known benefits to the fetus from ingesting fluoride,” notes Ashley Malin, PhD, a senior co-author of the prenatal study.
In light of these findings, pregnant women and parents are being advised to monitor fluoride intake carefully. This may include using low-fluoride bottled water and limiting fluoride dental products for children. However, it’s important to note that there are currently no governmental recommendations for limiting fluoride consumption during pregnancy.
The Path Forward
As the debate over fluoride safety continues, it’s clear that more comprehensive studies are needed to delineate safe fluoride exposure parameters and guide public health initiatives properly. The NTP’s findings may inform regulatory agencies, but they do not assess the benefits of fluoride, which have long been touted for dental health.
Until more definitive guidelines are established, it’s crucial for individuals, especially pregnant women and parents of young children, to be aware of their fluoride exposure from all sources, including drinking water, water-added foods and beverages, teas, and dental products. As we await further research, the precautionary principle suggests erring on the side of caution when it comes to fluoride exposure during critical developmental periods.
