A recently published study concluded there was a link between pregnant women who drank fluoridated water during their pregnancy and a lower adolescent IQ for their child.
The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, a publication of the American Medical Association, was based on a federally funded Canadian study of several hundred women and their infant children. The report suggested that mothers who drank water treated with fluoride during their pregnancy were more likely to have a child with a slightly lower IQ during their adolescent years.
While the study does have its critics, McLaren Macomb OB/GYN Dr. Linda Karadsheh urges patients not to become alarmed and talk to their physician if they have any questions.
“I think at this time it’s best for expectant mothers not to panic and worry about eliminating fluoride consumption,” she said. “It’s always a good idea to have a conversation with your healthcare provider and await further information as more studies are conducted.
“Although recent research has shown noteworthy data regarding possible intrauterine effects of fluoride consumption during pregnancy, the studies were small and performed outside of the United States and the statistically significant outcome was only seen in male children.”
Fluoride was first introduced to drinking water in 1945 in an effort to reduce dental cavities and is now added to about two-thirds of drinking water in the United States.
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