FDA Curtails Fluoride Supplements: Health Impacts Under Spotlight

The FDA has restricted fluoride supplements for children, particularly those under 3, citing potential health risks. Agencies warn these might alter gut microbiomes, raising safety concerns. This decision has sparked debates within the dental community, as fluoride's role in dental health remains significant, especially in areas with non-fluoridated water.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken significant steps to limit the use of fluoride supplements in children, reflecting ongoing concerns about the chemical's safety and role in dental health. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. spearheaded this latest regulatory move, emphasizing a cautious approach to fluoride's widespread use.

On Friday, the FDA announced that fluoride supplements are no longer recommended for children under the age of three, nor for older children who don't face serious tooth decay risks. Previously, these products were prescribed to children as young as six months. The FDA stopped short of removing these products from the market entirely but sent warning letters to four companies regarding their marketing practices.

The controversy centers around new scientific findings suggesting that fluoride supplements have minimal benefits for dental health and may pose risks such as gut issues and cognitive effects. This has been contested by the American Dental Association, which maintains fluoride is safe at prescribed levels. The decision has sparked discussions about fluoride's future in dental care, particularly in rural communities lacking fluoridated water supplies.

(With inputs from agencies.)