Are Fluoride Levels During Prenatal Development Associated with Internalizing and Externalizing Problems in Late Childhood?
- Egileak:
- Ibarluzea, J., Subiza-Pérez, M., Arregi, A., Otamendi, M., Luque-Garcia, L., Irizar, A., García-Baquero, G., Santa-Marina, L., Lertxundi, N.
- Urtea:
- 2025
- Aldizkaria:
- Exposure and Health
- Kuartila:
- Q1
- DOI:
- 10.1007/s12403-025-00728-x
- Deskribapena:
-
Fluoride has been associated to a delay in neuropsychological functions development in childhood, bu the question of whether exposure to Fluoride impacts children's emotional and behavioral development has not yet been elucidated. The aim of the study is to analyze the association between maternal fluoride levels during pregnancy and internalizing and externalizing problems in children, at the age of 8 and 11 years. Data from the “INMA” birth cohort (Gipuzkoa; Spain), with available determinations of maternal urinary fluoride levels (first and third trimester) adjusted by creatinine (MUFcr), and information collected via the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) were included. The study included 255 mother–child pairs at age 8 and 242 at age 11. Multivariate regression models were carried out adjusting for maternal and child characteristics, birth outcomes, the quality of the family context and several biomarkers of exposure to other neuro-toxicants during pregnancy (I, As, Mn, Hg and Pb). Mothers drinking fluoridated water had higher urinary fluoride levels than those drinking bottled water and these had higher levels than those drinking non-fluoridated water at both waves, 8 and 11 years old. The multivariable regression models showed no association between MUFcr levels and internalizing, externalizing problems or total problems scores. Sensitivity analyses including the quality of the family context or the levels of neurotoxic chemicals in the models did not alter the results. Further research is needed to reach a scientific consensus on the potential association between prenatal fluoride exposure and behavioral outcomes in childhood.