Abstract,Developmental Fluoride Neurotoxicity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Wrote:Background: Although fluoride may cause neurotoxicity in animal models and acute fluoride poisoning causes neurotoxicity in adults, very little is known of its effects on children’s neurodevelopment.

Objective: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies to investigate the effects of increased fluoride exposure and delayed neurobehavioral development.

Methods: We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Water Resources Abstracts, and TOXNET databases through 2011 for eligible studies. We also searched the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database, as many studies on fluoride neurotoxicity have been published in Chinese journals only. In total, we identified 27 eligible epidemiological studies with high and reference exposures, endpoints of IQ scores or related cognitive function measures with means and variances for the two exposure groups. We estimated the standardized mean difference (SMD) between exposed and reference groups across all studies using random effects models. We conducted sensitivity analyses restricted to studies using the same outcome assessment and having drinking water fluoride as the only exposure. Cochran test for heterogeneity between studies, Begg’s funnel plot and Egger test to assess publication bias were performed. Meta-regressions to explore sources of variation in mean differences among the studies were conducted.

Results: The standardized weighted mean difference in IQ score between exposed and reference populations was -0.45 (95% CI -0.56 to -0.35) using a random-effects model. Thus, children in high fluoride areas had significantly lower IQ scores than those who lived in low fluoride areas. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses also indicated inverse associations, although the substantial heterogeneity did not appear to decrease.

Conclusions: The results support the possibility of an adverse effect of high fluoride exposure on children’s neurodevelopment. Future research should include detailed individual-level information on prenatal exposure, neurobehavioral performance, and covariates for adjustment.

(07-29-2012, 12:15 PM)Gemini Wolf Wrote: You said US Meerie. They don't fluoridate water in Germany?

(07-29-2012, 03:21 PM)Meerie Wrote:

(07-29-2012, 12:15 PM)Gemini Wolf Wrote: You said US Meerie. They don't fluoridate water in Germany?

not at all! we have excellent tap water here where I live.
It is even better tested than mineral water, and it comes from a valley in Bavaria, a natural resort.
I usually only drink tap water, I seldom buy bottled water.
I have american friends visiting these days, and told them they could drink the tap water here. they were surprised, they say where they live (West Virginia) the water is heavily chlorinated.
They always have to buy water in bottles, also for preparing tea and coffee cuz theirs tastes so horrible.

(07-29-2012, 05:46 PM)Parsons Wrote: This provides us a great opportunity to compare data with your unfluoridated region vs my region(Arizona) that fluoridates water: Is everything in your shower covered in a white powdery film/caked on dusty material if you don't clean it often enough? I stopped using any kind of soap in the shower months ago, so I know it's not because of that.

The water in my area tastes vaguely metallic and stings my eyes very badly if I get any in them taking a shower.