7 Jan 2025 • In a new systemic review and meta-analysis has raised concerns about the impact of fluoride exposure on children’s IQ levels. The study includes 64 cross-sectional and 10 cohort studies most of them conducted in China, India and few in other countries found an inverse relation between fluoride exposure measured in drinking water and urine and children’s IQ scores.

The analysis revealed that fluoride exposure in drinking water and urine was associated with a dose-response decline in IQ, with a 1.63-point decrease in IQ for every 1 mg/L increase in urinary fluoride.

The association remained statistically significant when restricted to low-risk-of-bias studies and when exposure levels were less than 4 mg/L or 2 mg/L. Notably, the relationship weakened at fluoride concentrations below 1.5 mg/L in drinking water.

Despite variations in study design and fluoride exposure measures, the overall findings indicate a consistent inverse relationship between fluoride exposure and children’s IQ.

These results suggest the need for further research to better understand the potential risks of fluoride exposure, particularly at lower levels, and to inform future public health assessments regarding fluoride use in children's oral health.