Say Goodbye to Swallowed Fluoride for Kids: U.S. Government Action
Government Intends to Withdraw Fluoride Child Medications from Commercial Circulation - U.S. authorities will withdraw fluoride supplements for children from circulation.
It's time to bid adieu to fluoride ingestion for our kiddos, as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has embarked on the process of withdrawing prescription fluoride medications for children. Unlike toothpaste or mouthwash, these swallowed products were never approved by the FDA, posing a concern for our little ones. This decision marks the beginning of a four-month consultation phase with experts, ending in October.
Health Minister Robert Kennedy Jr. couldn't be more thrilled! He's long been a crusader against fluoride as a food supplement or additive, and this move echoes one of his electoral promises: an end to the fluoridation of tap water. Despite its initial hype in the '40s as one of the top 20th-century public health achievements, preventing cavities via fluoridated water, questions about excessive fluoride intake and potential neurological damage for kids have been mounting.
Approximately 200 million Americans currently drink fluoridated water – that's nearly two-thirds of our country's population.
The Lowdown on Fluoride and Children
Some studies hint at the potential risks of high fluoride exposure for children. Staggering IQ deficits or behavioral problems may surface from excessive exposure during pregnancy or early childhood[5]. Another study found that elevated urinary fluoride levels in children are correlated with diminished cognitive abilities, especially in regards to perceptual reasoning and verbal skills[1]. Additionally, each 0.68 mg/L increase in fluoride levels doubles the odds of neurobehavioral symptoms in infants[2].
Taking a Fresh Look at Water Fluoridation
Water fluoridation at standard levels of 0.7 mg/L is generally considered both safe and effective in cavity prevention[4][5]. However, skepticism persists about fluoride exposure safety, with recent reports questioning its impact on neurological development. The National Toxicology Program (NTP) noted that most research investigating fluoride's impact on IQ was low quality and biased, often focusing on unusually high fluoride levels[4].
Recent Studies and Persistent Concerns
Recent systematic reviews and cohort studies have typically found no link between typical water fluoridation levels and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes, such as changes in IQ[4]. Nevertheless, worries linger about excessive fluoride exposure during pregnancy or in regions with high natural fluoride levels, or the presence of other contaminants.
A Fresh Chapter in U.S. Fluoride Policy
No recent information suggests a U.S. government decision to pull fluoride medications from the market specifically targeting children. The ongoing debate focuses mainly on the safety of water fluoridation and the potential hazards of excessive fluoride exposure for the developing brain.
The Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) decision to withdraw prescription fluoride medications for children is a significant step in addressing health concerns related to medical-conditions such as fluorideintake. This move, coupled with Health Minister Robert Kennedy Jr.'s advocacy against fluoride in food supplements or additives, could signal a shift in the science of health-and-wellness policies regarding fluoride and children.
