Fluoride in Focus: Current Articles and Discussions from Press & Science

• Higher fluoride levels could lower children’s IQ
• US court calls for stricter drinking water regulation
• Critics emphasize data uncertainties and the dental health benefits
• Reduce fluoride intake during pregnancy

_{Original article: www.focus.de}

• Kennedy’s influence: As health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is strengthening the anti-fluoride movement.
• Court ruling: A federal judge views fluoride in drinking water as a risk to children’s intelligence.
• Public opinion: Growing skepticism toward fluoridation due to health concerns.
• Debate: Fluoridation has historically been seen as a success, but there is now increased discussion about its risks.
• Health risks: Concern about negative effects on cognitive development.

_{Original article: www.nytimes.com}

• Kennedy’s influence: Newly appointed health secretary is addressing water fluoridation in the U.S.
• Fluoridated drinking water: 72% of the U.S. population receive fluoridated drinking water.
• WHO warning: Long-term exposure to fluoride concentrations above 1.5 mg/L can cause health problems.
• Cavity protection with risks: Increased fluoride exposure can cause dental enamel fluorosis and skeletal fluorosis.
• Fluoride during pregnancy: High fluoride exposure during pregnancy may be associated with neurological problems in children.

_{Original article: edition.cnn.com}

• Fluoridated drinking water: link between high fluoride exposure in drinking water and lower IQ scores in children
• Low IQ in children: the National Toxicology Program shows that water with more than 1.5 mg/L fluoride is associated with lower IQs in children
• Dental disease fluorosis: US authorities want to minimize risks such as the dental disease fluorosis, which is caused by too much fluoride
• Protection of the population: the report raises questions about how people can be protected from high fluoride levels
• Fluoride during pregnancy: pregnant women are advised to reduce their fluoride intake, as fluoride is associated with potential risks to brain development

_{Original article: www.theguardian.com}

• IQ report: Fluoride in drinking water can lower children’s IQ.
• Limits: Problematic from 1.5 mg/L; 0.7 mg/L recommended.
• Fluoridation: Used since the 1950s for cavity prevention.
• Natural levels: 0.6% of the U.S. population have water with ≥1.5 mg/L fluoride.
• 2015 recommendation: Levels lowered to prevent fluorosis.

_{Original article: www.newsweek.com}

• The meta-analysis shows: higher fluoride exposure is associated with lower IQ in children.
• Children in early developmental stages are particularly vulnerable.
• No safe threshold for harmless fluoride intake can be identified.
• The authors emphasize: prevention must not come at the expense of child development.
• Recommendation: reduce fluoride exposure during pregnancy and childhood.

^{Original publications: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2828425?utm_campaign=articlePDF&utm_medium=articlePDFlink&utm_source=articlePDF&utm_content=jamapediatrics.2024.5542}

• EFSA confirms: children often ingest more fluoride than recommended.
• The main sources are drinking water, toothpaste and fluoridated salt.
• Excessive intake can lead to fluorosis of the teeth.
• No additional health benefit from high amounts of fluoride.
• Recommendation: critically review fluoride sources and reduce total intake.

^{Original publication: https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.2903/j.efsa.2025.9478}

• New data show: fluoride passes through the placenta and reaches the unborn child.
• High fluoride levels are suspected of impairing brain development.
• No proven benefit of additional fluoride intake during pregnancy.
• Infants can already ingest sufficient fluoride through drinking water and food.
• Experts recommend limiting fluoride sources during this sensitive phase.

^{Original publication: https://www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev-publhealth-060722-023526}

• The US FDA is initiating the withdrawal of fluoride tablets for children.
• Reason: insufficient evidence of safety and efficacy.
• Risks from excessive fluoride intake are considered unacceptable.
• Children should no longer receive fluoride via ingestible preparations.
• Future focus on safe, local dental protection instead of systemic intake.
  ^{Original publications: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-begins-action-remove-ingestible-fluoride-prescription-drug-products-children-market}

• Fluoride is suspected of increasing the risk of bone fractures.
• The meta-analysis shows: higher fluoride levels do not mean increased bone density.
• On the contrary – too much fluoride can weaken bones.
• No demonstrable health benefit from high fluoride intake.
• Experts are calling for a reassessment of fluoride exposure.

_{Original publication: https://ehjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12940-025-01226-y}