About three-quarters of Americans' tap water contains cavity-fighting fluoride Now, new research suggests that children born to women who drank fluoridated water while pregnant might be at higher risk for behavioral issues More study is needed before recommendations can be made, the researchers said TUESDAY, May 21, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Fetal exposure to fluoride from a mom-to-be's drinking water might raise the odds for physical and mental health issues in toddlers, new research suggests. The study, which was funded by the U.S.
National Institutes of Health, wasn't designed to prove cause-and-effect. However, researchers believe the findings are worth investigating further. “This is the first U.
S.-based study to examine this association. Our findings are noteworthy, given that the women in this study were exposed to pretty low levels of fluoride -- levels that are typical of those living in fluoridated regions within North America,” said study lead author , an assistant professor of epidemiology at the University of Florida.
She conducted the research in part as a postdoctoral scholar at the Keck School of Medicine in Los Angeles. No one is saying fluoridation needs to stop, however. “I don’t think we’re at the point where we are saying that water should not be fluoridated.
It’s generally considered one of the biggest public health wins, certainly for the dental community,” study co-author told . “But our results do give me pause. Pregnant individuals sho.
