Food and Health Room

[Anthea]

Italian Army donates medical equipment

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In a collaborative gesture aimed at enhancing healthcare services in Erbil, the Italian National Army, as part of the international coalition training Peshmerga forces, donated essential medical equipment to the Raparin Teaching Hospital for Children

The donation ceremony took place on Sunday, attended by prominent local leaders, including Erbil Governor Omed Khoshnaw, Col. Ciro Forte, Commander of the IT-NCC Land contingent, and Dilovan Mohammed, Erbil’s Director General of Health.

The Italian contingent provided the hospital with much-needed medical supplies, including a DC shock machine, six infusion pumps, 85 bed mattresses, and additional equipment. These resources are expected to significantly improve the hospital's capacity to care for pediatric patients in the region.

Governor Khoshnaw expressed his gratitude to Col. Forte and the Italian forces for their support, emphasizing that these contributions would strengthen the healthcare system in Erbil. “This assistance will help us extend vital health services to more citizens in our city,” he said.

The donation aligns with ongoing efforts by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG)’s ninth cabinet to improve healthcare infrastructure across the region. Raparin Teaching Hospital, one of Erbil's key healthcare institutions for children, is currently undergoing renovations to further enhance its facilities and better serve the growing population.

This partnership with the Italian National Army reflects a broader commitment by the international coalition to support not only the military training of Peshmerga forces but also the wellbeing of civilians, underscoring the importance of health and security in the Kurdistan Region.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/81 ... r-children

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Festival promotes Amedi’s renowned tahini

AMEDI, Kurdistan Region - The town of Amedi in Duhok province is famous for its tahini, which is the showcase of an annual festival now in its second edition

Tahini factory owner Ibrahim Hassan was well prepared for the two-day event that kicked off on Thursday. His sesame seed grinder worked around the clock, powered by hydroelectricity, to produce nearly 1,000 kilos of the delicious paste.

“We grind around 60 tons of our sesame a year, in addition to 15-20 tons from other people,” said Hassan.

Amedi has 34 grinders partially powered by hydroelectricity, turning sesame seeds into delicious tahini.

Last year, nearly 600 tons of tahini were produced in the town, with 65 tons exported to the Netherlands and 25 tons to the United States, according to Hakar Hamid, head of Amedi agriculture directorate

“Eight hundred and fifty dunams of land was used for sesame in Amedi, producing nearly 240 tons of sesame,” said Hamid.

The festival, which attracts people from across the Kurdistan Region, is growing. Last year, there were 40 tents. This year, the number increased to 60.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/151120241

[Anthea]

Akre pomegranate molasses

AKRE, Kurdistan Region - Farmers in the Akre district of Duhok province follow the traditional method to make high-quality pomegranate molasses

Every fall, the families of Gundik village collectively harvest their pomegranates, selling some of the fruit and using the rest to make molasses.

Collective work is part of the traditional process, using skills learned after decades of farming. They do not use any machinery.

The first step is removing the seeds

“It is better to remove the seeds using a stick to speed up the process. We do it collectively so that the work is done swiftly. We help our parents. We sell the good pomegranates untouched while making molasses from the rest,” said villager Bayan Mohammed.

The extracted juice is strained before being boiled. The natural sourness of the pomegranates enhances the quality of the molasses.

“We all work together to make molasses from morning to late afternoon. We have to monitor the process to make sure it is thick and the foam is skimmed off. We should also keep the fire burning so that it does not negatively change the taste. Sometimes we have to lower the heat so that it does not boil over,” said villager Amina Mohammed.

Customers prefer molasses that is thick

“We sell a kilo of thick molasses for seven to eight thousand dinars. No one buys the light one,” said farmer Mohammed Salih.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/15112024

[Anthea]

Soran family turn home into pacha restaurant

SORAN, Kurdistan Region - A married couple in Soran’s Galala subdistrict have turned their home into a restaurant serving only pacha (sarupe in Kurdish)

Pacha is considered a winter dish but it is still served year-round in many restaurants.

It is usually a meal eaten on special occasions.

“My wife and I discussed establishing [a restaurant] with Kurdish folkloric cuisine, which was sarupe. When I started people weren’t very familiar with the dish, but believe me there are people who have learned [to enjoy] sarupe with us," Kamil Ibrahim, owner of the restaurant, told Rudaw.

Preparing the dish is not easy and is very time-consuming.

Namam Salih prepares the food.

She said it takes the couple nearly 13 hours to clean the meat and cook the dish.

"We are open two days a week but my spouse and I are busy preparing [the food] for four days," she added.

Their restaurant has made a name for itself and sarupe connoisseurs come from other cities as well to try the dish.

Abduljabbar Mohammed is one of their customers.

"I love sarupe but not frequently. If I eat it once or twice a year on occasion it is okay. Surely since it is from here, it must have a unique flavor," he said.

Some customers also bring their own pots to take Sarupe back home.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/291220241

[Anthea]

Sarupe: Taste of Kurdish heritage

Sarupe, a beloved dish in Kurdish culture, holds a special place in the culinary heritage of Kurdistan. Made from sheep’s head and feet, this traditional delicacy is especially popular during cold winter months, offering warmth and nourishment

The roots of Sarupe trace back to ancient times when Kurdish communities embraced a no-waste approach to cooking, utilizing every part of the animal. Over centuries, they perfected this dish, which varies slightly across the regions of Kurdistan but remains universally cherished.

The preparation involves thoroughly cleaning the head and feet, then boiling them for several hours until the meat becomes tender. Chickpeas are added and cooked until soft, followed by rice and a blend of spices like cinnamon, ginger, and black pepper. Fried onions are often added as a finishing touch to enhance the flavor.

Sarupe is not only a hearty meal but also a nutritional powerhouse. It is rich in protein, collagen, Vitamin B12, iron, and calcium, supporting bone strength and joint health

More than just food, Sarupe carries significant cultural value. It is a centerpiece at social gatherings, where families and friends come together to enjoy its comforting flavors. Despite the influence of modern dining trends, Sarupe continues to hold its place on Kurdish tables, preserving its legacy as a vital part of Kurdish cultural identity.

This cherished dish stands as a testament to the resourcefulness and culinary artistry of the Kurdish people, a symbol of tradition that endures through generations.

https://kurdishglobe.krd/sarupe-the-sou ... -heritage/

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Treatment flips cancer cells

Working with a line of colon cancer cells, Korean researchers figured out a way to throw a few genetic switches to cause the cells to revert back to a healthy state. The technique could have major implications in the way we approach cancer treatment

Most current cancer research and treatment involves finding ways to kill the rogue cells in our body to bring the disease under control. And there have been impressive strides made in this realm of investigation.

In traditional treatments though, most of the time, side effects arise because the body winds up losing cellular material and often, healthy cells and tissue die along with the damaged cancer cells. The collateral damage has typically been deemed worth it though, because when a treatment works, the cancer is destroyed and the patient lives.

Now though, researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) have developed a different approach to combating the cells that cause cancer.

By using a digital model of the gene network of normal cell development, they found several molecules known as "master regulators" that are involved in the differentiation process of the cells lining the intestinal walls. These regulators are known as MYB, HDAC2, and FOXA2 and when they were suppressed in colon cancer cells, the cells switched back to a normal-like state, removing the cancer threat without destroying any cellular material.

The tests were carried out digitally, through molecular experiments, and in mice

"The fact that cancer cells can be converted back to normal cells is an astonishing phenomenon," said KAIS professor Kwang-Hyun Cho, who led the research. "This study proves that such reversion can be systematically induced."

In addition to learning how to work with cancerous colon cells, the researchers also used their digital modeling program to discover four master regulators in the hippocampus region of mouse brains. Two of them were responsible for overexpression in the cellular differentiation process, while one was responsible for inhibition. The finding could be used to study and potentially reverse the spread of brain cancer, while the digital modeling tool could become a way to fight other cancers throughout the body.

"This research introduces the novel concept of reversible cancer therapy by reverting cancer cells to normal cells," concluded Cho. "It also develops foundational technology for identifying targets for cancer reversion through the systematic analysis of normal cell differentiation trajectories."

The research has been published in the journal Advanced Science.

https://newatlas.com/cancer/cancer-cell ... wtab-en-gb

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Kurdish Doctor Performs First

Robotic Kidney Transplant in US

Dr. Gazi Zebari, a Kurdish doctor originally from the Kurdistan Region and now residing in the United States, has successfully performed the first robotic-assisted living donor kidney transplant in North Louisiana

The procedure took place at Willis-Knighton North Medical Center in Shreveport, where Dr. Zebari and his team utilized the advanced Da Vinci XI robotic surgical system.

The surgery was completed successfully, marking a significant milestone in the region’s medical advancements.

According to the medical team, the robotic-assisted surgery offers several key benefits, including reduced pain, faster recovery, and a lower risk of wound infections.

“This new technology provides a second chance to patients who were previously deemed ineligible for kidney transplants due to being overweight or obese,” Dr. Zebari explained.

He emphasized, “This breakthrough will significantly enhance the quality of care for kidney transplant patients.”

Dr. Zebari has an impressive academic background, having graduated from the University of Tennessee and completed a fellowship at Johns Hopkins University.

Currently, he serves as an organ transplant surgeon at the Willis-Knighton Regional Transplant Center, where he takes pride in his contributions to both the Kurdish and international communities

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/866588

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Alcohol Intake Increases Cancer Risk

Evidence linking alcohol to cancer has accumulated for years, yet less than half of Americans recognize it as a cancer risk factor

In a new advisory, the U.S. Surgeon General outlines the need for stronger warning labels on alcoholic beverages

The Surgeon General wants Americans to know that alcohol intake is a leading preventable cause of cancer in the U.S.

Alcoholic beverages should carry a more specific label warning about cancer risks, the U.S. surgeon general said on Friday

In a new Advisory on Alcohol and Cancer Risk, Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy outlined the connection between alcohol consumption and cancer.

The third leading preventable cause of cancer in the United States (behind tobacco and obesity), alcohol consumption increases the risk for at least seven types of cancer.

“Alcohol is a well-established, preventable cause of cancer responsible for about 100,000 cases of cancer and 20,000 cancer deaths annually in the United States -- greater than the 13,500 alcohol-associated traffic crash fatalities per year in the U.S. -- yet the majority of Americans are unaware of this risk,” U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy said in a press release.

He noted that the report "lays out steps we can all take to increase awareness of alcohol’s cancer risk and minimize harm.”

The new advisory contains a series of recommendations, including an update of the warning label on beverages that contain alcohol, to increase cancer risk awareness.

Labels currently posted on bottles and cans of alcoholic beverages warn about drinking while pregnant or before driving and operating other machinery, and about general “health risks.”

Regardless of the type of alcohol (beer, wine or spirits) consumed, the direct link between alcohol consumption and cancer risk is well-established for at least seven types of cancer, including:

cancers of the breast

colorectum

esophagus

liver

mouth (oral cavity)

throat (pharynx) and

voice box (larynx)

For breast cancer specifically, 16.4% of total breast cancer cases are attributable to alcohol consumption.

While evidence for this link has been growing over the past four decades, less than half of Americans recognize alcohol consumption as a risk factor for cancer.

For years, moderate drinking was said to help prevent heart attacks and strokes, and now, as the U.S. Dietary Guidelines are about to be updated, some experts see it as an opportunity to start to explain the cancer risks.

The Dietary Guidelines are updated every five years. For 2020, the last review, the team that creates the final guideline -- The U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Agriculture (USDA) -- did not adopt all of the specific recommendations put forth by the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, including the recommendation that men who consume alcohol limit intake to 1 drink per day. The change would have reduced the recommended daily limit from 2 drinks to 1 drink.

In 2021, the decision to overrule the advisory committee and keep the recommendation at 2 drinks a day was described in an article published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The authors concluded that the "decision of the 2020–2025 DGA not to include the stricter recommendations of the DGAC is a missed opportunity to send a stronger message about the value of reducing intake [of alcohol]."

Besides the alcohol warning label, the advisory calls for reassessing the limits for consumption, and advises people to be mindful of the relationship between alcohol and increased cancer risk when considering whether or how much to drink.

Additionally, the advisory says, public health professionals and community groups should highlight alcohol consumption as a leading modifiable cancer risk factor and expand education efforts to increase general awareness. Healthcare providers should promote the use of alcohol screening and treatment referrals as needed.

What This Means For You

As you consider if, when, or how much to drink, consider your personal cancer risks as well as the link between alcohol and increased cancer risk.

https://www.healthday.com/health-news/c ... on-general

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The World's Healthiest Meal

Eating better should be a simple task, but with the sheer volume of information out there, it can be hard to know what foods to choose. From expensive superfood supplements to low-carb diets, everyone claims their preferred way of eating is the best route to health

While everyone's needs are different, there are some simple science-based hacks to eating well, like including plenty of fibre, plants and protein in your diet, while making sure it tastes good too. Now, a scientist has put all of those tips together to create what he claims is the healthiest meal ever.

Dr Paul Berryman, chief of Leatherhead Food Research, critically assessed over 4,000 health claims in search of the healthiest way to eat. He distilled them down to a credible 222, then created a three-course meal that packed in all of the nutrition you need.

The World's Healthiest Starter

To begin, Dr Berryman suggests a salmon terrine and a side salad dressed with olive oil.

Salmon is a fish high in omega-3s which help reduce inflammation, improve brain function, support heart health and even boost your strength. Olive oil is also a health hero, packed with polyphenols: plant compounds that are associated with good health outcomes.

The World's Healthiest Main Course

The main event is a chicken and lentil casserole. Packed with both animal and plant proteins, this dish is great for muscle and bone health while also providing a big dose of fibre thanks to the vegetables and pulses.

Fibre is associated with good digestion, but also helps maintain healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels, while helping to reduce the likelihood of some diseases like cancer and diabetes.

The World's Healthiest Dessert

If you think you can't eat dessert while eating healthy, think again. Dr Berryman suggests eating a live yoghurt 'blancmange' that's packed full of probiotics to support your gut while also being high in calcium and protein.

Is This the Healthiest Meal Ever?

The meal is definitely full of goodness that we all need to thrive, including protein, fats and carbs as well as micronutrients like vitamins and minerals. It's also a great way to remember that healthy doesn't mean restrictive. 'Healthy foods do not have to be dull,' agrees Dr Berryman.

Most people probably don't need a three-course meal every day, though you could break this up into lunch, dinner and dessert. While everyone does require different types of foods, this meal idea is definitely a great place to start if you're looking to eat better. Delicious, satisfying and nutritious – what's not to like?

https://www.menshealth.com/uk/nutrition ... wtab-en-gb

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Foods causing high blood pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common health issue and can lead to serious problems like heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure if left un-managed

While medications can help, diet plays a crucial role in controlling blood pressure.

Certain foods can make high blood pressure worse, so knowing what to avoid is an important part of staying healthy.

This article will explain which foods to limit or avoid, using research-backed evidence and simple explanations.

One of the biggest culprits in raising blood pressure is salt. Salt contains sodium, which causes the body to retain water.

(Kurds love salt and put far too much in their foods and on their salads)

This extra water increases the volume of blood in the bloodstream, putting more pressure on the blood vessels.

A study published in the journal Hypertension found that reducing sodium intake can significantly lower blood pressure in people of all ages. The American Heart Association recommends consuming no more than 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day for people with high blood pressure.

Foods like canned soups, processed meats, snack chips, and even some breads are often packed with hidden salt. Checking food labels and choosing low-sodium options can help reduce salt intake.

Sugary foods and drinks are another category to watch out for. Consuming too much sugar can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of insulin resistance, both of which can contribute to high blood pressure.

(Kurds love lots of sugar lumps with their tea)

A review in the journal Nutrients found that people who consumed high amounts of sugar-sweetened beverages had a higher risk of developing hypertension. Replacing sugary drinks like soda and sweetened teas with water, herbal tea, or unsweetened beverages is a simple way to make a positive change.

Foods high in saturated and trans fats are also bad for blood pressure. These unhealthy fats can cause weight gain and contribute to the buildup of plaque in arteries, which makes it harder for blood to flow and increases blood pressure.

Saturated fats are found in foods like butter, fatty cuts of meat, full-fat dairy, and baked goods made with shortening. Trans fats, which are even worse for heart health, are often found in margarine, fried foods, and packaged snacks.

The Journal of the American Heart Association reported that reducing the intake of these fats can improve blood pressure and overall cardiovascular health. Choosing lean proteins, healthy fats like olive oil, and plenty of fruits and vegetables is a much better alternative.

Caffeine is another thing to consider. While the effect of caffeine on blood pressure varies from person to person, some studies show that it can cause temporary spikes in blood pressure, especially for those who aren’t used to it.

If you’re sensitive to caffeine, it might be a good idea to limit coffee, energy drinks, and certain teas. A good rule of thumb is to monitor how your blood pressure responds after consuming caffeine and adjust accordingly.

Alcohol is another substance that should be consumed in moderation. Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure and reduce the effectiveness of blood pressure medications.

(Sadly many Kurds drink too much alcohol)

The American Journal of Hypertension found that limiting alcohol to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men can help manage hypertension. For some, cutting out alcohol altogether might be the best choice.

Processed foods, which often contain a combination of high salt, unhealthy fats, and added sugars, are some of the worst offenders for blood pressure. These include items like frozen dinners, fast food, and prepackaged snacks.

Cooking at home with fresh ingredients gives you more control over what goes into your meals and helps you avoid these hidden dangers.

In conclusion, managing high blood pressure through diet involves making smarter food choices and avoiding certain items. Limiting salt, sugar, unhealthy fats, caffeine, and alcohol can go a long way in controlling blood pressure.

(Kurds would be much healthier if they gave up smoking)

[Anthea]

Penjwen’s Anti-Vape Campaign Launches

Erbil (Kurdistan24) – Kurdistan Region’s Penjwen district of Sulaimani province municipality announced on Thursday the launch of a major initiative aimed at banning the sale, purchase and use of vape products within the district

A joint committee in Penjwen stance against vapes with ongoing campaign to ban sales, ensuring local shops do not participate with any kind of vapes trading.

Sarwar Karim, head of the Penjwen municipality’s joint committee concerned with this matter told Kurdistan24, that “this campaign has started since August 2024; however, that campaign now has been very intensified in a way that no shops or markets in the town buy or sell vapes now."

Karim also mentioned that "In addition to the town’s official channels, there is a nationwide campaign by teachers, religious leaders, intellectuals and all different sections to raise awareness among people regarding the use of vapes.” “Fortunately, we have been able to control it completely," he revealed.

In several countries worldwide including Brazil, Singapore, Thailand and India importing or using vapes is banned, and internationally campaigns are ongoing to raise awareness about the potential harms of vaping.

Despite being marketed as a safer alternative to classic cigarettes, it has been medically proved that vaping poses significant health risks. It exposes users to harmful chemicals, which can lead to lung damage, heart issues, and addiction. The long-term effects remain a concern, with potential risks including cancer and other severe conditions.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/82 ... n-launches

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KRG warns against online medication

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - The Kurdistan Region’s Ministry of Health has warned citizens to avoid purchasing medications and medical products online, referring to extensive counterfeiting, expiration risks, and a lack of regulatory oversight

Dr. Govend Rewend, Head of the Medicine Monitoring and Follow-up Department at the Ministry of Health, talked about the increasing issue of online medication sales during an interview on Kurdistan24's morning news program on Saturday.

Dr. Rewend underlined the risks linked with unregulated online drug sales and called on citizens to solely trust licensed pharmacies.

"Most medications and medical products sold online are counterfeit and / or expired," Dr. Rewend warned

He further stated that these unlicensed channels, which are often driven by profit rather than public health considerations, posed incredible health risk to the public.

Key Distinctions Between Official and Online Drug Sales

Dr. Rewend charted the central differences between medications sold through official and online channels:

Officially Sold Medications and Medical Products

Licensed pharmacies, drug warehouses, and merchants are registered with the Ministry of Health.

Medications carry Ministry of Health stickers and are sold at government-regulated prices.

Non-compliance with pricing rules by pharmacies leads to penalties, ensuring consumer protection.

Online Sold Medications and Medical Products

Most medications sold online are counterfeit, expired, or smuggled, primarily from Iraq and Iran.

Online sellers lack Ministry of Health licenses and pharmaceutical expertise.

Sales locations and warehouses for online medications are undisclosed, preventing regulatory oversight.

False information is often printed on packaging, misleading buyers about the authenticity and safety of the products.

Ministry of Health’s Appeal

Dr. Rewend called on citizens to avoid purchasing medications or medical products from unverified online sources, stressing the risks to public health and safety.

“We strongly urge citizens to buy medications solely from licensed pharmacies where quality and compliance are ensured,” he stated.

The Ministry of Health is reportedly accelerating its efforts to monitor and punish those involved in unregulated drug sales, strengthening its commitment to protecting public health in the Kurdistan Region.

Citizens are advised to remain vigilant and report dubious activities related to counterfeit medications to the relevant authorities.

Risks to Public Health

Counterfeit and expired medications can cause grave health complications, including adverse reactions and treatment failures.

By underlining these risks, the Ministry intends to protect citizens from possible life-threatening consequences associated with unregulated online sales.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/82 ... t-concerns

[Anthea]

Does Fluoride in Water Lower IQ?

Fluoride is once again in the news, and not for a great reason. In a new review of the data published this month, scientists have found evidence that higher levels of fluoride exposure are associated with declined IQ in infants and very young children

Historically, fluoride has been added to our water to strengthen our tooth enamel, which helps prevent cavities. Improved childhood dental health in turn is known to reduce sick days from school, lead to fewer costly dental procedures, and possibly even reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease later in life.

But this new research, conducted by scientists at the NIH’s National Toxicology Program, suggests that fluoride exposure—and by extension water fluoridation—might be riskier than assumed. They found that children exposed to higher fluoride levels during their earliest years of life had noticeably lower IQ scores, specifically between one and two points, than children exposed to lower levels of fluoride

The review, published in JAMA Pediatrics, isn’t the only recent study to throw some shade at fluoride. A study from last May, for instance, found a link between higher fluoride exposure in pregnant women and a greater risk of their children later being diagnosed with neurobehavioral problems by age three. Some scientists have also questioned recently whether water fluoridation is needed to obtain the benefits of fluoride anymore, since people in many parts of the world can get fluoride from their toothpaste products.

The scientific debate over fluoride’s positives and negatives isn’t one-sided, however. Some scientists have criticized the methodology and interpretations of the recent review, for instance. And the study itself couldn’t find conclusive evidence linking lowered IQ to low fluoride exposure, including levels recommended for U.S. drinking water (0.7 milligrams per liter). Other reviews have similarly failed to find a link between relatively low fluoride exposure and IQ loss or impaired development (including after the introduction of a fluoridation program).

Some critics of fluoridation have also tried to blame fluoride for other health problems that have much less evidence supporting a potential connection. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who’s in line to head the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under the Trump administration, has argued that fluoride is associated with bone cancer, for instance, despite the majority of studies finding no significant cancer link

For this Giz Asks, we reached out to experts to share their thoughts on the latest study, the science surrounding fluoride, and the potential implications of this research. The following responses have been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

The findings that high fluoride levels in drinking water in rural areas of China, India, Pakistan, and Iran are associated with IQ deficits are not new. The authors cannot attribute the IQ deficits to fluoride in water because the study quality is low. These studies measured fluoride in drinking water and IQ in children at the same time.

For example, it could be that parents with higher IQs had moved from regions to avoid high-fluoride water because of its well-known risk to teeth and bones, and therefore, the absence of higher IQ families may drive the association rather than the reverse. This potential bias is sometimes known as the “cart-before-the-horse bias.” Also, studies conducted in animals and humans cannot explain how fluoride could affect the brain.

We published a study titled “Association between low fluoride exposure and children’s intelligence: a meta-analysis relevant to community water fluoridation.” In this paper, we answered the research question: Does fluoride exposure recommended for the prevention of tooth decay decrease children’s cognition and IQ scores? Fluoride is recommended at 0.7 mg/L for U.S. community water supplies.

Our study concluded that fluoride exposure at approximately twice the concentration used in community water fluoridation (less than 1.5 mg/L) is not associated with lower IQ scores in children. However, we underscore the necessity for more research to determine whether fluoride naturally occurring in drinking water exceeding 1.5 mg/L causes IQ deficits.

Fluoride is a reactive chemical that binds strongly to calcium and metals. In 1944, the Journal of the American Dental Association described fluoridation as “spectacularly attractive” for preventing cavities but warned of the risks of adding a “highly toxic substance” to drinking water. Today, over 70% of Americans drink tap water fluoridated at around 0.7 [parts per million, or ppm], considered “optimal.”

Fluoride is also present in toothpaste (1,000–1,500 ppm), black teas (1–6 ppm), foods like sardines and anchovies (2–4 mg/100 g), certain medications (e.g., Prozac, Lipitor), and pesticide-treated produce like raisins. Over the past 50 years, fluoride ingestion has increased, contributing to a rise in dental fluorosis—discoloration or mottling of teeth due to excessive fluoride exposure during development.

Taylor’s team reviewed 74 studies from 10 countries linking fluoride exposure to IQ scores. While many early studies were of lower quality, a meta-analysis of high-quality research revealed that a 1 ppm increase in urinary fluoride was associated with a 1.2 point IQ reduction in children, even at levels below 1.5 ppm. Although these IQ decrements are small, they have substantial population-level implications, particularly for children who are exposed to other toxic chemicals, such as lead or air pollution.

Critics argue that no IQ deficits were found at water fluoride levels less than 1.5 mg/L, but this is misleading. First, no apparent threshold was identified. Second, water fluoride is just one source of exposure, and total fluoride intake must be considered for risk assessment. Urinary fluoride, a snapshot of overall fluoride intake, showed significant IQ reductions in children at concentrations commonly found in fluoridated communities.

For example, a Canadian study found that 25% of pregnant women in optimally fluoridated areas had urinary fluoride levels higher than 1 ppm, and 5% exceeded 1.5 ppm. While some question the reliability of urinary fluoride measurements, they are widely used by epidemiologists to assess exposure to short-lived chemicals like fluoride and arsenic.

It is time to critically review the benefits of fluoride. A 2024 update of the Cochrane review found little to no benefit from water fluoridation in studies conducted after 1975, when fluoride toothpaste became widespread. Fluoride’s cavity-preventing effects are primarily topical, not systemic, and provide no benefit until teeth erupt.

Public health agencies must re-evaluate fluoridation guidelines based on new evidence. Until then, consider these precautions:

Pregnant women and young children: Avoid fluoridated water and other sources of fluoride, like black tea.

Infant formula: Use non-fluoridated water for mixing formula; breastmilk contains minimal fluoride.

Children’s toothpaste: Use only a rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and make sure children don’t swallow toothpaste.

By taking these steps, you can minimize fluoride exposure during critical developmental periods.

An assistant professor of Environmental Medicine and Climate Science at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai who studies how people’s early life exposures can impact behavior and cognition.

It’s important to note that none of the studies included in the [NTP] meta-analysis were conducted in the United States, where the recommended fluoride concentration in drinking water is 0.7 mg/L—more than 50% lower than the fluoride exposure measured in most of the communities studied. While more studies are needed to examine the impacts of lower level fluoride exposure, a 2023 meta-analysis found no link between fluoride and child IQ in communities with drinking water levels similar to the US.

While to date there are no studies that suggest risk of harm at the 0.7mg/L fluoride most commonly found in US drinking water, an estimated 2.9 million Americans and 180 million people worldwide may be exposed to fluoride at levels above the WHO guideline due to the presence of high levels of natural fluoride in some areas. Individuals residing in these areas may be at greater risk of exposure to levels that were associated with decreased child IQ in the study.

In addition, the inclusion of fluoride in dental products and treatments as well as its natural presence in some foods and beverages may lead to exposures above the daily recommendation. Comprehensive studies that measure individual levels of exposure in the US population from all sources of fluoride are needed.

While around three-fourths of the US water supply is fluoridated, this practice is not mandated by the federal government and is under state or local control, so fluoridation practices vary widely across the country. For example, 99.9% of Kentucky residents receive fluoride in their drinking water compared with only 16% of New Jersey residents. Individuals who are interested to know the level of fluoride in their drinking water should contact their water supplier.

If you live in an area with high fluoride from natural sources and are pregnant or have young children, it is possible to reduce fluoride exposure through reverse osmosis filtration. Bottled water is not regulated for the presence of fluoride or other contaminants and is generally not recommended. If you consume water from a public supply or private well that does not have fluoride, it’s important to practice good dental hygiene through the use of fluoride-containing toothpaste and mouthwash and regular dental visits.

The findings of this study are likely to lead to an increase in the number of communities who are questioning whether to discontinue water fluoridation. Although there is some evidence that the rise of products containing fluoride and improved access to dental care have reduced the need for fluoridated water, several studies show a dramatic increase in child tooth decay and need for dental treatments in communities that have removed fluoride from drinking water, suggesting that water fluoridation remains an effective and necessary public health intervention.

While the recent meta-analysis by Taylor et al. suggests adverse impacts of high levels of fluoride exposure on brain development, it also highlights a need for well-designed longitudinal studies that measure individual-level fluoride exposure over time to confirm whether associations with IQ or other neurodevelopmental outcomes persist at the low levels experienced by most Americans.

In addition, it highlights the need for research into practices that reduce the risk of exposure to fluoride above the recommended levels in areas where natural fluoride levels are high and a reexamination of practices that increase access to routine dental care.

https://gizmodo.com/what-does-the-evide ... wtab-en-gb