Study links high fluoride exposure to potentially lower IQ in children
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A study recently published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics has identified a concerning link between higher fluoride exposure in children and lower IQ scores. Conducted by scientists at the U.S. government’s National Toxicology Program, the study controlled for other factors that could influence cognitive development, thereby reinforcing the link between fluoride exposure and reduced cognitive abilities in children. These findings suggest that public health guidelines regarding fluoride usage in drinking water may need to be reevaluated to balance its dental health benefits against the potential risks to neurological development.
Source
Taylor KW, Eftim SE, Sibrizzi CA, et al. Fluoride Exposure and Children’s IQ Scores: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JAMA Pediatr. Published online January 06, 2025. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2024.5542
Additional Reading
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/08/health/fluoride-children-iq.html