FDA to Remove Prescription Fluoride Tablets and Drops from the Market

Strategic Insights -

The US Food and Drug Administration is starting the process to remove prescription fluoride tablets and drops from the market, citing concerns over the mineral's potential health impacts, particularly on the gut microbiome and thyroid function. This move follows recent guidance from Utah's state health officials urging residents to learn more about fluoride supplements after municipal water systems were banned from adding the mineral to water. The FDA plans to complete a safety review and public comment period on the measure by October 31.

Key Takeaways:

  • The FDA is removing prescription fluoride tablets and drops from the market due to concerns over the mineral's potential health impacts, including alterations to the gut microbiome and association with thyroid disorders, weight gain, and decreased intelligence.
  • The review and public comment period on the measure is expected to be completed by October 31.
  • Ingested fluoride has been shown to alter the gut microbiome, according to a news release from the US Department of Health and Human Services.
  • The use of fluoride in public water systems started in the United States in 1945, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that drinking fluoridated water reduces cavities by about 25% in children and adults.
  • The Trump administration has put increased scrutiny on the possible health impacts of fluoride, and US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has pledged to roll back CDC recommendations that fluoride be added to municipal drinking water.
  • Some states, including Utah and Florida, have banned the use of fluoride in drinking water, and other states are considering similar moves.

Statistics:

  • 25% reduction in cavities in children and adults due to drinking fluoridated water (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
  • 1945: The year the use of fluoride in public water systems started in the United States
  • October 31: The expected completion date of the review and public comment period on the measure to remove prescription fluoride tablets and drops from the market

Sources:

  • US Food and Drug Administration
  • US Department of Health and Human Services
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • American Academy of Pediatrics
  • CNN (article by Brenda Goodman)