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Fluoride in drinking water has no effect on IQ or brain function, long-term study shows (twin-cities.umn.edu)
submitted 7 months ago by to c/science@mander.xyz
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Study.

The study, published in PNAS, examined Wisconsin state testing records, archival information about when Wisconsin cities began to fluoridate their water, and data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study, which has followed a random sample of 10,317 high school seniors from 1957 through 2026. Key findings include:

  • There is no evidence supporting a connection between community water fluoridation and children’s IQ.
  • There is also no evidence supporting a connection between community water fluoridation and cognitive functioning at various points later in life.
  • Findings confirm evidence published in previous research which also used a national sample, but considered school achievement test scores instead of actual IQ scores.
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[–] 4 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago) (2 children)

So what's the benefit then?

Protection against tooth decay? I'm not sure I understand your point. That is a pretty big health benefit, I think, not sure why you think it's not a positive effect. There are plenty of studies as to how fluoride (in the water or as toothpaste) can protect against cavities.

I will reiterate my point that fluoride levels in water is too low to be dangerous, as the WHO recommends a maximum of 1.5 mg / L for fluoridation of water, while most countries that implement it use a concentration of 0.7-1.2 mg / L. Additionally, fluoride is also naturally present in many fruits, seafood, etc. as well as many groundwater sources that are perfectly safe to consume.

edit: I think I understand what you are talking about. Yes, fluoride does not increase nor decrease IQ levels. Its main job is to protect against tooth decay. But that is still a public health benefit, no?

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  • [–] -1 points 7 months ago (1 child)

    I guess I'll reiterate. Many studies from early studies, after fluoridation became more common versus before, have found numerous benefits. Across the globe....

    I think this study is more absence of evidence rather than evidence of absence.

    Like.. Shit. Say a kid has a cavity do you think he's going to be focusing on his homework or his tooth hurting?

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  • [–] 0 points 7 months ago

    Decreasing number of cavities in children != increasing IQ

    IQ only measures the ability to solve problems and pattern-match. And I would assume IQ tests are taken after cavities are dealt with.

    To give an example, it's the same thing as if you tried to give an IQ test to someone who, in the past, has had a bacterial infection. Then, when the person is perfectly healthy, you give them an IQ test once, then some antibiotics, then another IQ test giving the same result as the first. You would not conclude that antibiotics are ineffective and should be banned!

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