A New U.S. Initiative: Scrapping Ingestible Fluoride Meds for Kids
United States Intends to Withdraw Fluoride Medications for Children from the Commercial Sphere - U.S. administration plans to discontinuing fluoride medications for children's use.
Got some toothy news for ya! The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is swooping in to call the shots on fluoride meds for kids. The Department of Health dropped the bomb, stating that the FDA will be pulling these ingestible products from the market. These meds stand apart from the toothpaste and mouthwash gang, as young'uns often gulp them down. Yep, you heard it right; these babies never got the green light from the FDA[1][2][3].
"It's high time to say goodbye to fluoride in the diet," declared Health Minister Robert Kennedy Jr. in a statement, making it clear that battling fluoride is one of his top priorities[1]. You might recall that Kennedy Jr. had earlier vowed to nix the fluoride in tap water too[5].
Guess you're wondering, "Why all the fuss about fluoride?" Well, buckle up! Here's the skinny.
First off, it looks like fluoride can mess with the bacteria in your gut. This peep's essential for digestion, immunity, and a whole lotta other stuff. Plus, some studies suggest that taking in too much fluoride could lead to thyroid problems, weight gain, and maybe even a drop in intelligence among the kiddos[1][3]. FDA boss Marty Makary sure ain't mincing words about these risks, especially the impact on those crucial gut bacteria that play a big role in a child's health[3].
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., your Health and Human Services bigwig, is all-in on this move, shaking his head at the overdue end of ingestible fluoride supplements[1]. Kennedy has been grousing about fluoride for quite a while, linking it to a slew of health issues[1].
But things ain't all sweet; pro dental organizations, like the American Dental Association (ADA), ain't exactly on board. The ADA swoops in to remind folks that fluoride supplements have been kicking tooth decay's butt, particularly in areas lacking fluoridated tap water or in rural communities[4]. They caution that nixing these supplements could risk kids' dental health, especially for those more susceptible to cavities.
So there you have it, folks! The U.S. government is moving to drop ingestible fluoride supplements for kids, over safety concerns. But the dental bigwigs aren't buying it, arguing that these supplements help prevent cavities. It's a debate that's as hot as a toothache, with the FDA requesting a scientific review by October 31, 2025, to make a decision[1][2][3][4].
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has declared its intention to eliminate fluoride-based dietary supplements for children due to concerns about their potential impact on gut bacteria, thyroid function, weight, intelligence, and other health aspects.
- The FDA's decision to phase out fluoride supplements has been criticized by pro-dental organizations like the American Dental Association (ADA), who argue that these supplements play a crucial role in preventing tooth decay, particularly in areas with limited access to fluoridated tap water.