Study shows that children with higher fluoride exposure have lower IQs.

The ongoing debate about fluoride's benefits and risks continues, with RFK Jr. advocating for its removal from the U.S. water supply as Trump's HHS secretary nominee.

In November, RFK wrote on X that fluoride, an industrial waste, is linked to arthritis, bone fractures, bone cancer, IQ loss, neurodevelopmental disorders, and thyroid disease.

A study published in JAMA Pediatrics on Jan. 6 revealed a new correlation between fluoride exposure and children's IQs.

For decades, fluoridated water has been used to reduce dental cavities and improve oral health, as studied by co-author Kyla Taylor, PhD, based in North Carolina.

Despite the fact that pregnant women and children can obtain fluoride from multiple sources, including drinking water, water-added foods and beverages, teas, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash, their total fluoride intake may be excessive and negatively impact their neurodevelopment, as she explained to Planet Chronicle Digital.

Scientists at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) analyzed 74 epidemiological studies on children's IQ and fluoride exposure.

In 10 countries, including Canada, China, Denmark, India, Iran, Mexico, Pakistan, New Zealand, Spain, and Taiwan, studies were conducted to measure fluoride levels in both drinking water and urine. No studies were carried out in the U.S.

According to Taylor, a meta-analysis revealed a "statistically significant link" between increased fluoride exposure and lower children's IQ scores.

The more fluoride a child is exposed to, the lower their IQ is likely to be, she stated.

Taylor emphasized that the results were consistent with six previous meta-analyses, all of which reported a "statistically significant inverse association" between fluoride exposure and children's IQs.

For every 1mg/L increase in urinary fluoride, there was a 1.63-point decrease in IQ, according to research.

‘Safe’ exposure levels

The WHO has set 1.5mg/L as the maximum safe level of fluoride in water consumption.

"There is concern that pregnant women and children are getting fluoride from many sources."

The recommended fluoride concentration in drinking water by the U.S. Public Health Service is 0.7 mg/L.

Taylor remarked that there wasn't enough information to establish whether 0.7 mg/L of fluoride in drinking water influenced children's IQs.

Nearly three million people in the U.S. are served by wells and community water with higher levels of the chemical, according to the researcher.

Pregnant women and parents of small children should be cautious of their fluoride consumption, advised the woman.

She advised that if their water is fluoridated, they may prefer using low-fluoride bottled water, such as purified water, and minimize exposure from other sources, including dental products and black tea.

"To limit the use of fluoridated toothpaste by young children, parents can mix powdered infant formula with low-fluoride bottled water and avoid using fluoridated water for drinking."

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Taylor suggested that the research findings could inform future research on the impact of fluoride on children's health, even though the study did not intend to address broader public health implications of water fluoridation in the U.S.

Dental health expert shares cautions

Dr. Ellie Phillips, DDS, an oral health educator from Austin, Texas, stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that she does not support water fluoridation based on this study and prior research.

In an email, she expressed her opposition to public water fluoridation and questioned why our water supplies are still fluoridated in the 21st century.

"Some cities and countries without fluoridation have excellent oral health, which can sometimes surpass that of fluoridated areas."

The fluoride debate is "perplexing" even among dentists, as the American Dental Association (ADA) supports fluoride use for cavity prevention through water fluoridation, toothpaste, and mouthwash, often at high concentrations.

"However, holistic dentists typically advise their patients to be fearful of fluoride and avoid its use entirely, even if their teeth are severely decayed," she stated.

"Topical fluoride is beneficial, while systemic consumption poses risks."

Phillips urged the public to examine the impact of different fluoride compounds, the effects of varying concentrations, and the significant distinction between applying fluoride topically and consuming it.

She warned that while topical fluoride is beneficial, systemic consumption can pose risks.

"It is essential for people to manage their oral health through natural and knowledgeable methods."

The research was funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Intramural Research Program.