Studie zeigt, dass Fluorid im Wasser die Gehirnentwicklung nicht beeinflusst – die Forscher fanden heraus, dass diejenigen, die regelmäßig fluoridiertes Wasser getrunken hatten, einen um durchschnittlich 1,07 Punkte höheren IQ-Wert hatten als diejenigen ohne Exposition.

I’ve linked to the press release in the post above. In this comment, for those interested, here’s the link to the peer reviewed journal article:

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00220345241299352

Abstract

It is important to maintain confidence in the risk and benefit balance of major caries-preventive programs using fluoride. The ongoing debate about potential effects of early-life exposures to fluoride on cognitive neurodevelopment requires high-quality scientific evidence. This study aimed to investigate the potential effects of fluoride exposure on cognitive neurodevelopment assessed with the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale 4th edition (WAIS-IV) in an Australian population-based sample. The sample was selected from the National Child Oral Health Study (NCOHS) 2012–2014. NCOHS collected data on socioeconomic factors, oral health behaviors, and residential history to estimate percentage lifetime exposure to fluoridated water during the first 5 y of life (%LEFW). NCOHS children were also examined by trained and calibrated examiners to assess dental fluorosis (a reliable and valid individual biomarker of total fluoride intake during early childhood). The sample was followed up in 2022–2023 to collect data on cognitive neurodevelopment (intelligence quotient [IQ]) using the WAIS-IV, which was administered by trained and calibrated qualified psychologists. Multivariable regression models were generated to investigate associations between the 2 exposure measurements (%LEFW and dental fluorosis) with full-scale IQ (FSIQ) scores, controlling for important confounding effects. Hypotheses of noninferiority were also tested, contrasting different levels of exposure to fluoride. Some 357 participants aged 16 to 26 y completed the WAIS-IV, with a mean FSIQ score of 109.2 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 107.8–110.5). The estimates of the multivariable regression models demonstrated slightly higher FSIQ scores among the exposed than the nonexposed. The adjusted β of 100%LEFW versus 0%LEFW was 1.07 (95% CI: −2.86, 5.01) and of having dental fluorosis versus no fluorosis was 0.28 (95% CI: −3.00, 3.57). The hypothesis of noninferiority tests found that FSIQ scores of those exposed and nonexposed to fluoride were equivalent. The study provided consistent evidence that early childhood exposure to fluoride does not have effects on cognitive neurodevelopment.

From the linked article:

Study finds fluoride in water does not affect brain development

A University of Queensland study has found no link between exposure to water fluoridation as a young child and negative cognitive development.

Professor Loc Do from UQ’s School of Dentistry said the IQ scores of 357 people who had participated in the 2012–2014 National Child Oral Health Study were assessed by registered psychologists to see if their exposure to fluoride as a young child impacted their brain development.

With the participants now aged 16 to 26 years old, we found those who’d consistently been drinking fluoridated water had an IQ score 1.07 points higher on average than those with no exposure,” Professor Do said.

“We also found people who had dental fluorosis – a reliable biomarker related to excessive fluoride intake in early childhood – had IQ scores 0.28 points higher on average than those without.

“Factors which may affect the relationship between fluoride and IQ, such as socioeconomic status, were taken into account when determining the results.”