US Government Plans to End Prescription Fluoride for Kids
Federal authorities to discontinue marketing fluoride supplements targeted at youngsters nationwide - U.S. authorities to discontinue distribution of fluoride medications intended for children.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is taking a significant step to withdraw prescription fluoride medications, particularly for kiddos, as per the Department of Health. Unlike fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash, these prescriptions meds are ingested by infants and young children. Importantly, these products were never FDA-approved. The consultation phase, involving experts, kicks off and will last until the end of October.
"Enough's enough with ingesting fluoride," said Health Minister Robert Kennedy Jr., who has made battling fluoride a priority. Remember, he already promised to end fluoridation of tap water during his campaign. Although tap water fluoridation, initiated in 1945, was once acclaimed by U.S. health authorities as one of the top 10 public health achievements of the 20th century, concerns about potential neurological damage in children with excess fluoride intake are increasingly on the rise.
Currently, the tap water for approximately 200 million U.S. citizens is fluoridated, accounting for roughly two-thirds of the nation's population.
The Fluoride Debate
- Gut Microbiome's Role: Ingested fluoride could interfere with the gut microbiome, crucial for digestion, immunity, and more [1][2].
- Health Concerns: Studies suggest potential links between excessive fluoride intake and various health issues, such as thyroid disorders, weight gain, and lower IQ [1][2]. However, previous reviews by public health experts and dental professionals do not show significant risks at the levels used in dental care [2].
The Process Ahead
The FDA aims to review these products by October 31, with the goal of removing them from the market. Instead of a formal ban, the FDA may request manufacturers to voluntarily withdraw their products to bypass the usual lengthy rulemaking process for bans [1][2].
The Lowdown
Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, fortifies tooth enamel and prevents cavities. However, questions about its safety have led to initiatives, especially under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s tenure, who has been vocal about his concerns regarding fluoride's safety [2][3].
Footnote
- Fluoride's potential effects on the gut microbiome: [Link to Source]
- Studies linking excessive fluoride intake to various health issues: [Link to Source]
- Public health experts' and dental professionals' reviews on risks associated with fluoride products: [Link to Source]
- The potential associations between health issues and excess fluoride intake: [Link to Source]
- Despite the FDA's past approvals for fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash, the long-standing debate on fluoride safety continues, particularly regarding prescription fluoride medications for health-and-wellness and mental-health concerns.
- The FDA's decision to withdraw prescription fluoride medications,where scientific research has linked excessive intake to potential health issues such as thyroid disorders, weight gain, and lower IQ, further emphasizes the organization's commitment to prioritizing the well-being of children (kiddos) and adults alike.
