Fluoride Safe for Cognition, New Study Shows

A significant new study suggests that fluoride in drinking water, when present at recommended levels, does not harm cognitive development in young people. Contrary to some previous research, this investigation indicates potential modest positive effects on cognition.

The research, published in Science Advances, highlights a critical distinction: many earlier studies showing negative correlations with IQ used fluoride concentrations far exceeding those found in typical U.S. public water supplies. The lead author emphasized that these previous studies often examined populations in conditions of extreme poverty in countries like China and India, making their findings less applicable to the U.S.

This new work utilized nationally representative data from American adolescents to assess cognitive impacts at recommended fluoride exposure levels. While acknowledging the ongoing debate and the need for further research, the findings challenge the basis for public policies that have expressed concerns about fluoride's effects on cognition. Experts suggest policy decisions should carefully weigh the well-established dental benefits of fluoride against current scientific evidence of risks.