FDA Eyeing Out on Ingestible Fluoride Medications for Kids
Federal government plans to discontinue fluoride medications intended for children from commercial sale - U.S. authorities to withdraw fluoride medications for children from availability
Get ready to bid adieu to those fluoride medications meant for kiddos. The FDA has kicked off a process to yank these prescriptions off the market, as announced by the Department of Health. Unlike toothpaste and mouthwash, these meds are swallowed by infants and little ones. They've never been FDA-approved, you see. But don't be alarmed just yet, as experts are gonna have a sit-down about it until the end of October.
As Health Minister Robert Kennedy Jr. puts it, "It's about time we call it quits on fluoride consumption." Kennedy Jr. has been fiercely opposed to fluoride as a dietary supplement for a while now, and this move is no exception.
Remember when Kennedy Jr. pledged during his campaign to stop fluoridating tap water? Well, it all dates back to 1945 when health authorities in the States hailed the practice as one of the ten greatest public health achievements of the 20th century thanks to its cavity-preventing prowess. However, these days, there's a growing fear that consuming too much fluoride can have ill effects on children's neural development.
Now, over 66% of the country's population swigs fluoridated water.
- Fluoride Medications for Children
- FDA
- Fluoride
- Robert Kennedy Jr.
- Kiddos
- Health
- Dental Health
In-depth Look
- The FDA will wrap up a scientific review of these fluoride products by October 2025, their aim being to get rid of them. These products usually come in the form of fluoride tablets, lozenges, and drops prescribed to kids in areas with low fluoride levels in the water[1][2][3].
- The FDA zeroed in on research suggesting that swallowed fluoride could mess with the gut microbiome, which plays a crucial role in digestion, immunity, and health overall[1][3].
- Other studies also call attention to potential links between fluoride consumption and unwanted health issues, such as thyroid disorders, weight gain, and diminished IQ in children[1][3].
- FDA Commissioner Marty Makary pointed out the risks posed by these meds, especially when they upset the delicate balance of gut bacteria and potentially interfere with neural development[3].
Deep Dive into Fluoride
- Fluoride, a naturally-occurring mineral, strengthens tooth enamel and fights cavities by repairing damage caused by mouth bacteria[1].
- Traditionally, fluoride's been a staple in dental health prevention, with supplements doled out where fluoride exposure from water is scant[3].
- In the process announced by the Department of Health, the FDA plans to conclude a scientific review of fluoride products prescribed to children by October 2025, with the intention of removing these products from the market.
- Concerns about the potential negative effects on children's health, such as interference with the gut microbiome and neural development, have been raised in relation to ingestible fluoride medications.
