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Community water fluoridation and intelligence: Prospective study in New Zealand

Author

Listed:
  • Broadbent, J.M.
  • Thomson, W.M.
  • Ramrakha, S.
  • Moffitt, T.E.
  • Zeng, J.
  • Page, L.A.F.
  • Poulton, R.

Abstract

Objectives. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between community water fluoridation (CWF) and IQ. Methods. We conducted a prospective study of a general population sample of those born in Dunedin, New Zealand, between April 1, 1972, and March 30, 1973 (95.4% retention of cohort after 38 years of prospective follow-up). Residence in a CWF area, use of fluoride dentifrice and intake of 0.5-milligram fluoride tablets were assessed in early life (prior to age 5 years); we assessed IQ repeatedly between ages 7 to 13 years and at age 38 years. Results. No clear differences in IQ because of fluoride exposure were noted. These findings held after adjusting for potential confounding variables, including sex, socioeconomic status, breastfeeding, and birth weight (as well as educational attainment for adult IQ outcomes). Conclusions. These findings do not support the assertion that fluoride in the context of CWF programs is neurotoxic. Associations between very high fluoride exposure and low IQ reported in previous studies may have been affected by confounding, particularly by urban or rural status.

Suggested Citation

  • Broadbent, J.M. & Thomson, W.M. & Ramrakha, S. & Moffitt, T.E. & Zeng, J. & Page, L.A.F. & Poulton, R., 2015. "Community water fluoridation and intelligence: Prospective study in New Zealand," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 105(1), pages 72-76.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2013.301857_1
    DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2013.301857
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    Cited by:

    1. Banu Preethi Gopu & Liane B. Azevedo & Ralph M. Duckworth & Murali K. P. Subramanian & Sherley John & Fatemeh Vida Zohoori, 2022. "The Relationship between Fluoride Exposure and Cognitive Outcomes from Gestation to Adulthood—A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(1), pages 1-13, December.
    2. Youngha Song & Junhewk Kim, 2021. "Community Water Fluoridation: Caveats to Implement Justice in Public Oral Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-10, March.

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