September 2025. Volume 21. Number 3

Fluoride exposure in childhood: does it affect cognitive development?

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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AVC | Critically appraised articles

Taylor KW, Eftim SE, Sibrizzi CA, Blain RB, Magnuson K, Hartman PA, et al. Fluoride Exposure and Children's IQ Scores: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JAMA Pediatr. 2025;179:282-92.

Reviewers: Fraile Astorga G1, Cuestas Montañés EJ2.
1Pediatra. CS Cuellar. Segovia. España.
2Servicio de Pediatría y Neonatología. Hospital Privado Universitario de Córdoba. Córdoba. Argentina.
Correspondence: Garazi Fraile Astorga. Email: garazifraile@hotmail.com
Reception date: 01/07/2025
Acceptance date: 09/07/2025
Publication date: 16/07/2025

Abstract

Authors´ conclusions: this systematic review and meta-analysis found inverse associations and a dose-response association between fluoride measurements in urine and drinking water and children's intelligence quotient across the large multicounty epidemiological literature. There were limited data and uncertainty in the dose-response association between fluoride exposure and children's intelligence quotient when fluoride exposure was estimated by drinking water alone at concentrations less than 1.5 mg/l.

Reviewers´ commentary: although there is evidence of an inverse relationship between fluoride exposure and child intelligence quotient, the effect is small, especially in studies with low risk of bias. More research is needed to better understand the dose-response relationship, identify vulnerable groups, and assess long-term impact. The interpretation of the findings should be cautious, taking into account the methodological limitations and the heterogeneity observed in the studies.

How to cite this article

Fraile Astorga G, Cuestas Montañés E. Exposición al fluoruro en la infancia, ¿afecta al desarrollo cognitivo? Evid Pediatr. 2025;21:30.

AVC | Critically appraised articles

Taylor KW, Eftim SE, Sibrizzi CA, Blain RB, Magnuson K, Hartman PA, et al. Fluoride Exposure and Children's IQ Scores: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JAMA Pediatr. 2025;179:282-92.

Reviewers: Fraile Astorga G1, Cuestas Montañés EJ2.
1Pediatra. CS Cuellar. Segovia. España.
2Servicio de Pediatría y Neonatología. Hospital Privado Universitario de Córdoba. Córdoba. Argentina.
Correspondence: Garazi Fraile Astorga. Email: garazifraile@hotmail.com
Reception date: 01/07/2025
Acceptance date: 09/07/2025
Publication date: 16/07/2025

How to cite this article

Fraile Astorga G, Cuestas Montañés E. Exposición al fluoruro en la infancia, ¿afecta al desarrollo cognitivo? Evid Pediatr. 2025;21:30.

16/07/2025

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