Study finds every 0.68 mg/liter increase of Fluoride levels in pregnant women’s urine nearly doubles the odds of children scoring clinical or borderline clinical for neurobehavioral problems at age 3

https://ufhealth.org/news/2024/study-explores-association-between-fluoride-exposure-in-pregnancy-and-neurobehavioral-issues-in-young-children

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Higher fluoride levels in pregnant women are linked to increased odds of their children exhibiting neurobehavioral problems at age 3, according to a new study led by a University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions researcher.

The findings, based on an analysis involving 229 mother-child pairs living in a U.S. community with typical fluoride exposure levels for pregnant women in fluoridated regions in North America, appear May 20 in the journal JAMA Network Open. It is believed to be the first U.S.-based study to examine associations of prenatal fluoride exposure with parent-reported child neurobehavioral issues, which include symptoms of anxiety, difficulty regulating emotions and other complaints, such as stomachaches and headaches.