Study: Higher fluoride levels in drinking water linked to lower IQ scores in children

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A groundbreaking NIH review published in JAMA Pediatrics found that higher fluoride levels in drinking water are associated with lower IQ scores in children. The analysis of 74 studies revealed a strong link, particularly when fluoride levels exceeded 1.5 mg/L, higher than the U.S. standard of 0.7 mg/L. A dose-response relationship was also observed, with rising fluoride levels correlating with further IQ declines.

Fluoride can cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in brain regions responsible for cognition and memory. The review found that every 1 mg/L increase in urinary fluoride was linked to an average IQ drop of 1.14 to 1.63 points, potentially shifting population-level intelligence distributions.

Fluoride exposure during pregnancy can cross the placenta, potentially affecting fetal brain development. Researchers emphasize that even moderate fluoride intake during this critical period could have lifelong cognitive consequences for children.

While some experts argue that the dental benefits of fluoridation outweigh potential risks, others highlight growing evidence of neurodevelopmental harm. The National Toxicology Program and a recent federal court ruling in California have raised concerns, prompting the EPA to revise fluoride standards.

Parents and caregivers can take action by testing water for fluoride levels, limiting fluoridated products, choosing low-fluoride beverages and advocating for updated regulations. The NIH review calls for more research and proactive measures to protect vulnerable populations, emphasizing that children’s brain development must be prioritized.

A groundbreaking review by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has raised alarming concerns about the impact of fluoride on children’s brain development. The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, reveals that higher levels of fluoride in drinking water are associated with lower IQ scores in children.

This finding has sparked a heated debate among health experts and policymakers, with many calling for stricter regulations to protect children from potential harm.

The review analyzed 74 studies, 64 of which found a clear link between increased fluoride exposure and reduced intelligence in children. The association was particularly strong when fluoride levels in drinking water exceeded 1.5 milligrams per liter (mg/L)—a threshold higher than the current U.S. standard of 0.7 mg/L.

Thirty-one of the studies also identified a dose-response relationship, meaning that as fluoride levels rose, IQ scores dropped further.

The implications of these findings are profound. Fluoride, a mineral added to drinking water for decades to allegedly prevent tooth decay, may have unintended consequences for brain development, especially in vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women.

How fluoride affects the brain

Fluoride can cross the blood-brain barrier, a protective shield that keeps harmful substances from entering the brain. Once inside, it accumulates in areas responsible for cognition and memory.

While the exact mechanisms remain unclear, the evidence suggests that high fluoride exposure disrupts normal brain development, leading to measurable declines in intelligence.

The NIH review found that every 1 mg/L increase in urinary fluoride—a marker of total fluoride exposure—was associated with an average IQ drop of 1.14 to 1.63 points. While this may seem small on an individual level, the cumulative effect on a population scale could be significant.

For example, a five-point drop in average IQ could shift the distribution of intelligence in a community, potentially reducing the number of gifted individuals and increasing the number of those with cognitive challenges.

Pregnant women and unborn babies at risk

The risks of fluoride exposure extend beyond children. Pregnant women who consume fluoridated water or other fluoride-containing products may inadvertently expose their unborn babies to the mineral.

Studies have shown that fluoride can cross the placenta, potentially affecting fetal brain development.

Ashley Malin, a researcher at the University of Florida, has studied the effects of fluoride on pregnant women and their children. She emphasizes that even moderate levels of fluoride exposure during pregnancy could have lasting impacts on a child’s cognitive abilities.

"This is a critical period of brain development" and disruption during this time "could have lifelong consequences," she added. (Related: MSM smears RFK Jr. after he announces plans to BAN FLUORIDE from drinking water, with WaPo taking the lead.)

The NIH review underscores the need for pregnant women to limit their fluoride intake, not just from water but also from other sources like toothpaste, mouthwash and certain foods and beverages made with fluoridated water.

The debate over fluoride safety

Despite the mounting evidence, experts remain divided on the risks of fluoride. Some argue that the benefits of water fluoridation—such as reduced tooth decay—outweigh the potential harms.

Dr. Steven M. Levy, a dentist who wrote an editorial accompanying the NIH study, contends that there is "no evidence" of adverse effects at the lower fluoride levels used in most community water systems.

However, critics point to the growing body of research linking fluoride to neurodevelopmental issues.

The National Toxicology Program (NTP), part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has also raised concerns. In a report released in August, the NTP concluded that fluoride concentrations close to the current Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standard of 0.7 mg/L pose a risk to neurodevelopment.

This report played a pivotal role in a recent federal court case in California, where environmental nonprofit Food & Water Watch sued the EPA over the safety of fluoridated water.

The judge ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, stating that the current fluoride level in drinking water poses an "unreasonable risk" to children’s IQs. As a result, the EPA is now required to revise its fluoride standards, a move that could have far-reaching implications for public health policy.

Protecting children from fluoride exposure

With nearly three million people in the U.S. relying on water systems with fluoride levels above 1.5 mg/L, the need for action is urgent.

Parents and caregivers can take steps to reduce children’s fluoride exposure:

Monitor water Sources. Test your drinking water for fluoride levels, especially if you rely on well water or live in an area with naturally high fluoride concentrations.

Limit fluoridated products. Use fluoride-free toothpaste for young children and ensure they use only a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste to minimize ingestion.

Choose beverages wisely. Opt for beverages made with low-fluoride water, and avoid excessive consumption of soft drinks, fruit juices and bottled water, which may contain fluoride.

Advocate for change. Support efforts to update fluoride regulations and ensure that public health policies prioritize children’s brain development.

A call for more research and action

While the NIH review provides compelling evidence of fluoride’s potential harms, many questions remain unanswered. For instance, what are the long-term effects of low-level fluoride exposure?

How does fluoride interact with other environmental toxins? And what steps can be taken to protect vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women and children?

Experts agree that more research is needed to fully understand the risks and benefits of fluoride. In the meantime, policymakers must weigh the evidence carefully and take proactive measures to safeguard public health.

Protecting children from unnecessary fluoride exposure is not just a matter of public health—it’s an investment in humanity's collective future.

The findings of this study serve as a wake-up call. While fluoride has long been hailed as a public health triumph, its potential impact on brain development cannot be ignored.

As the debate continues, one thing is clear: The health and well-being of children must come first.

Watch the video below to learn more about the dangers of fluoride exposure.

This video is from The HighWire with Del Bigtree channel on Brighteon.com.