Study finds fluoride exposure before birth can affect a child’s brain development and behavior

07/11/2024 / By Olivia Cook

Recent research has brought to light alarming connections between fluoride exposure during pregnancy and harmful health effects in children. This new study published in JAMA Network Open in May explored how fluoride levels in expectant mothers can affect their children’s brain development and behavior.

The study focused on the relationship between the amount of fluoride found in a mother’s urine during pregnancy and her child’s neurobehavioral outcomes. Essentially, researchers investigated how exposure to fluoride before birth could impact a child’s brain function and behavior throughout their life.

The study findings raised significant concerns about the long-term safety of fluoridation even at the lower levels currently deemed acceptable. It prompts questions regarding whether vulnerable segments of the population, such as unborn children, are truly protected from the potential dangers of fluoride.

The study’s revelations called for a reevaluation of fluoride safety standards and urged more research to ensure the well-being of children. (Related: Fluoride exposure during pregnancy linked to behavior problems in children.)

Exposure to fluoride before and during pregnancy has been found to cause concerning neurobehavioral disorders in children. The recent study involving 229 pregnant women and their children highlighted this alarming connection.

The study discovered that just a 0.68 milligrams per liter (mg/L) increase in fluoride levels in a pregnant woman’s urine was linked to the near-doubling of the risk that their unborn children will develop neurobehavioral problems. These problems ranged from clinical to borderline clinical issues – suggesting that even in areas where fluoride levels are considered safe, prenatal exposure might still pose significant risks.

Other studies have shown similar results. A 2023 study by Italian researchers published in the journal Medicina found that a one mg/L rise in water fluoride concentration is associated with a 6.1 times greater likelihood of the unborn child being diagnosed with ADHD.

A Canadian study from 2023 involving 616 maternal-child pairs from the Calgary cohort of the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition study between 2009 and 2012, published in Science of the Total Environment, linked continuous exposure to fluoridated drinking water during pregnancy with decreased intelligence, cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control and working memory in children. This finding reportedly led Calgary, Canada, to cease fluoridating its drinking water on May 19, 2011.

Limiting prenatal fluoride exposure

Even small amounts of fluoride exposure during pregnancy can affect a child’s brain development, potentially leading to lifelong cognitive issues. With 73 percent of homes in the United States having fluoridated tap water at or above the recommended 0.7 mg/L level, it is vital to take action now. While working toward removing fluoride from drinking water is a long-term goal, there are immediate steps families can take to protect current and future mothers and their children.

Water purification

Investing in water purification methods would protect families not just from fluoride in their tap water but also from other contaminants such as heavy metals and certain potentially dangerous organic compounds.

For those with access to well water, this can be an excellent alternative, but it’s important to test it for natural fluoride levels. Additionally, choosing spring water brands that are certified low in fluoride can be a safer option.

Dietary considerations

What people eat can also impact fluoride exposure. Pregnant women should avoid foods high in fluoride, such as certain seafood like crab legs and shrimp, as well as black tea and raisins. Using fluoride-free salt and avoiding processed foods made with fluoridated water can further reduce intake.

Personal care products

To minimize exposure, switch to fluoride-free toothpaste and mouthwash, and check skincare product labels for fluoride compounds. Using natural toothpaste helps people avoid harmful additives found in many commercial brands. Choosing natural products helps people eliminate artificial chemicals like fluoride but also aspartame, parabens, saccharin, sodium lauryl sulfate and titanium dioxide, which can also have negative health effects.

Learn more about how to maintain good oral health naturally at HolisticDentistry.news.

Are kids being overdosed on fluoride? Watch this video.

This video is from the OneNinetyFiveNationsRising channel on Brighteon.com.