New Fluoride Study Links High Exposure to Lower IQ in Children, Draws Criticism

Meta-analysis finds cognitive impacts at high fluoride levels, but experts question methodology and relevance to U.S. water standards.

The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, analyzed 74 studies, mostly from China and India, linking high fluoride exposure to slightly lower IQ in children.
Critics highlight that 70% of the included studies had a high risk of bias, and none of the data came from the U.S., where fluoride levels are significantly lower.
The analysis found no statistically significant cognitive effects at fluoride levels below 1.5 mg/L, which is more than twice the recommended U.S. level of 0.7 mg/L.
Experts have raised concerns over the study's methodology, including inconsistent data selection, lack of transparency, and reliance on urinary fluoride measures deemed unreliable.
The findings have reignited debates over water fluoridation policies, with some researchers calling for reassessment of safety guidelines while others urge caution in interpreting the results.