Fluoride In Drinking Water, A Threat To Children's Cognitive Development?

Illustration of children drinking water (Freepic)

JAKARTA - Fluorides are known as important substances that help prevent tooth damage. These compounds are usually added to drinking water to maintain the health of people's teeth widely.

However, behind its benefits, recent studies show fluoride also has potential risks, especially for the cognitive development of children.

Reporting from Medical Daily, a study found a connection between higher fluoride exposures and a decrease in IQ scores in children. These findings re-trigger debate about fluoride safety in public water supply.

The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, reviewed 74 studies conducted in 10 countries. The study shows a statistically significant relationship between higher fluoride exposure and a decrease in children's IQ scores.

According to researchers in the National Toxicology Program, even a small increase in fluoride levels in urine of about 1 mg/L is associated with a 1.63-point decrease in IQ. Fluoride measurements in urine allow scientists to accurately calculate total fluoride intake.

"This systematic study shows a negative relationship and a dose-response pattern between exposure to fluoride through urine or drinking water with the children's IQ. These findings apply to various multi-state epidemiological studies," the researchers wrote as quoted by ANTARA.

Although the impact on cognitive health looks small, this effect can become significant if it occurs on a population scale. Experts note that a five-point decrease in IQ at the population level can double the number of individuals with intellectual disabilities.

However, researchers have not recommended removing fluoride from drinking water based on the results of this study. They noted that most of the 74 reviewed studies have varying qualities and the majority are carried out in countries outside the United States, such as China.

In addition, available data is still limited, especially in understanding the dose-response relationship between fluoride exposure at low concentrations (below 1.5 mg/L) and children's IQ.

"Until now, there has been no research specifically reviewing the relationship between exposure to fluoride and the IQ of children in the United States. In addition, the level of urine fluoride that represents the population nationally is also not yet available, so the results of this study are difficult to implement in the US context. However, these findings can be the basis for evaluating the risks and benefits of fluorides for public health in the future," the researchers added.

The United States itself recommends a fluoride concentration of 0.7 mg/L in drinking water. These levels are considered safe and effective to protect teeth from damage without causing significant risks.