While fluoride has been shown to increase (strengthen) bone density in adults, this 2024 study found fluoride levels typical in treated water was reducing bone density in children aged 8 to 19. To calculate bone density, scientists used dual-energy X-ray technology to analyze full body bone structure in 1,413 US children. Children were divided into 4 groups according to their level of water fluoride, blood fluoride and urinary fluoride. Results showed children drinking water with the lower levels of fluoride (typical in non-treated water) had stronger bone density than children drinking water with additional recommended fluoride (0.70 mg/L). This study contributes important information to the fluoride debate showing that what may appear to be beneficial in adults could in fact be harmful to children.
ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to examine the association between fluoride exposure and bone mineral density (BMD) in children and adolescents. We used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2015–2016. The fluoride concentrations in the water samples, plasma samples, and urine samples were measured electrometrically using an ion-specific electrode. Total body less head BMD (TBLH BMD) was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Weighted generalized linear regression models and restricted cubic splines (RCS) regression models were used to analyze the relationships between the three types of fluoride exposure and TBLH BMD. We performed subgroup analyses stratified by sex. A total of 1413 US children and adolescents were included in our study. In our linear regression models, we found inverse associations between fluoride concentrations in water and plasma and TBLH BMD. Additionally, we discovered a non-linear association between fluoride concentrations in water and plasma and TBLH BMD. No significant association or non-linear relationship was found between urine fluoride levels and TBLH BMD. This nationally representative sample study provides valuable insight into the intricate connection between fluoride exposure and skeletal health in children and adolescents.