Groundbreaking University of Minnesota Study Debunks Myth: Fluoride and IQ Levels Explained!

Fluoride in Water: New Insights on Its Impact on Cognition

Recent research from the University of Minnesota has sparked an interesting debate about fluoride in drinking water. A study found a positive link between fluoridated water and cognitive function. This is in contrast to an August 2024 report from the National Toxicology Program, which suggested that high fluoride levels could lower children’s IQ.

Fluoride, found in toothpaste and many communities’ water supplies, is typically added to help prevent tooth decay. However, the National Toxicology Program’s findings have raised concerns. John Robert Warren, a sociology professor at the University of Minnesota, called the report “provocative” but also noted its flaws. He pointed out that the study reviewed 74 papers but included no U.S.-based research and relied on non-representative samples.

Warren highlighted a critical issue: the report focused on fluoride levels much higher than what is usually found in municipal water—1.5 mg/L compared to the common dosage of 0.7 mg/L. “No one is planning to implement such high dosages,” he said. This raises questions about its relevance in policy discussions.

To explore the effects of acceptable levels of fluoride, Warren and his team analyzed data from the High School & Beyond study, which followed high school students from 1980 into adulthood. They compared test scores from participants with varying exposure to fluoride. Surprisingly, the study found no negative impact on cognition. In fact, there was a slight positive association, although it wasn’t statistically significant. This raises questions about the long-term cognitive effects of fluoridated water.

These findings were published in Science Advances in November. They provide essential insights for community leaders as they consider the benefits and drawbacks of fluoride. For instance, after the NTP report, Utah stopped adding fluoride to its drinking water.

Warren emphasized the risks tied to perceptions about fluoride. “If people believe fluoride harms children’s IQ, the choices become more complicated. But if evidence suggests little risk, decisions become easier,” he explained.

Interestingly, around 75% of Americans using community water systems receive fluoridated water. Minnesota has one of the highest rates, with nearly 99% of its community water sources fluoridated.

This ongoing conversation about fluoride touches on both health and public policy. As new studies emerge, it highlights the importance of evidence-based decisions and keeping the public informed on health-related issues.

For more on fluoride’s role in public health, you can read the CDC’s fluoridation statistics.

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