FDA moves to take prescription fluoride supplements off the market

CNN - May 13th, 2025

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has initiated the process to remove prescription fluoride tablets and drops from the market, citing concerns about their impact on children's health. These products, usually prescribed to children at high risk of tooth decay, have not been formally approved by the FDA. The decision follows a news release from the US Department of Health and Human Services highlighting potential health risks such as altered gut microbiome, thyroid disorders, weight gain, and decreased intelligence. FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary emphasized the importance of erring on the side of safety regarding children's health and announced a safety review to be completed by October 31.

The move reflects a broader debate about the safety and efficacy of fluoride, particularly in water supply systems. The Trump administration had previously scrutinized fluoride's health impacts, with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. advocating against its use in public water systems. While Kennedy cannot mandate community practices, states like Utah have banned fluoride in drinking water, influencing others to consider similar actions. This shift could significantly impact public health practices and the way fluoride is administered to children, with a focus on alternative methods like topical fluoride applications supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Dental Association.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Fda Public Health Policy Us Department Of Health And Human Services Fluoride Dental Health Prescription Medication

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a timely and relevant overview of the FDA's actions regarding fluoride supplements, touching on public health concerns and political influences. It effectively communicates the main points with clarity and engages readers with a topic of significant public interest. However, the article could benefit from a more balanced presentation of the benefits and risks of fluoride, as well as greater transparency about the scientific evidence behind health claims. While the sources cited are credible, additional expert opinions and detailed explanations would enhance the article's accuracy and credibility. Overall, the article is informative and engaging, but further depth and balance would strengthen its impact and reliability.

Accuracy

The article presents several factual claims, such as the FDA's intention to remove prescription fluoride tablets and drops from the market, which aligns with the FDA's actions as reported by credible sources. However, the claims about fluoride's effects on the gut microbiome and its association with thyroid disorders, weight gain, and decreased intelligence require more evidence from scientific studies. The article correctly notes that these fluoride products were never formally FDA-approved, which is a verifiable fact. The story's accuracy is generally strong, but some health impact claims need further verification.

Balance

The article attempts to provide a balanced view by including perspectives from both the FDA and health organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Dental Association, which support fluoride use. However, it leans towards highlighting the potential risks of fluoride without equally emphasizing its benefits, such as its role in reducing cavities by 25%, as stated by the CDC. The political motivations behind the FDA's actions and the role of figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are mentioned, but the article could have included more diverse expert opinions to provide a fuller picture.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear language to convey its main points. It logically progresses from discussing the FDA's actions to the potential health impacts of fluoride and the political context. The tone is neutral, and the information is presented in a way that is easy to follow for readers. However, some technical terms related to health impacts could be explained more thoroughly to aid comprehension for a general audience.

Source quality

The article cites credible sources such as the FDA and the US Department of Health and Human Services, which are authoritative on the topic. It also references statements from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Dental Association. However, the article could improve by directly quoting or referencing more specific studies or scientific evidence to support claims about fluoride's health impacts. The reliance on official statements provides a solid foundation, but additional expert commentary would enhance source quality.

Transparency

The article provides some transparency by mentioning the FDA's planned safety review and public comment period. However, it lacks detailed explanations of the scientific evidence behind the health claims made about fluoride. The article does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest or the methodology behind the FDA's decision-making process. Greater transparency about how conclusions were reached and who was consulted would improve the article's credibility.