Fluoride in drinking water has long been a controversial topic, with a recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics reigniting the debate. The study, conducted by researchers from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, reviewed 74 studies on fluoride exposure and children’s IQ in 10 countries. The findings suggest a link between higher fluoride exposure levels and lower IQ scores in children.
The study estimates that for every 1 milligram per liter increase in urinary fluoride, children’s IQ drops by 1.63 points. This has raised concerns about the safety of current fluoride levels in drinking water, especially in the United States where over 200 million people are served by fluoridated water.
However, critics of the study have pointed out several limitations. One major concern is the lack of clarity on how much lower than the World Health Organization’s safety limit of 1.5 milligrams per liter could be dangerous. The study also included several low-quality studies and used single-point urine samples, raising questions about the accuracy of the findings.
Despite the controversy, the benefits of water fluoridation are well documented. Since its introduction in the US in 1945, fluoridated water has significantly reduced cavities in children and tooth loss in adults. Fluoride helps restore minerals lost to acid breakdown in teeth, reduces acid production by cavity-causing bacteria, and makes it harder for these bacteria to stick to the teeth.
Proponents of water fluoridation argue that it reduces socioeconomic disparities in dental care, while critics warn of potential neurological harm to vulnerable communities. With the widespread availability of fluoride toothpaste, some research suggests that the benefits of water fluoridation may be diminishing.
As the debate continues, more research is needed to understand the effects of adjusting fluoride levels in drinking water. The study published in JAMA Pediatrics has sparked important discussions about the potential risks and benefits of fluoridated water, especially in the context of public health.
