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. 2020 Dec;7(4):263-273.
doi: 10.1007/s40471-020-00246-1. Epub 2020 Oct 30.

Sex-specific neurotoxic effects of early-life exposure to fluoride: A review of the epidemiologic and animal literature

R Green  1 , J Rubenstein  1 , R Popoli  1 , R Capulong  1 , C Till  1
Affiliations

Sex-specific neurotoxic effects of early-life exposure to fluoride: A review of the epidemiologic and animal literature

R Green et al. Curr Epidemiol Rep. 2020 Dec.

Abstract

Purpose of review: A growing body of evidence suggests adverse neurodevelopmental effects of early-life exposure to fluoride that may differ depending on timing of exposure and sex of the exposed. We conducted a literature search to identify the animal and human epidemiologic studies that examined sex-specific neurodevelopmental differences in response to prenatal and postnatal exposure to fluoride.

Recent findings: Six of 138 animal studies and 15 of 106 human epidemiologic studies tested for sex-specific effects. Prenatal exposure to fluoride was associated with a male susceptibility to adverse behavioural effects in four of six animal studies and lower IQ in one of three prospective cohort studies. The body of evidence examining sex-effects associated with postnatal fluoride exposure was scarce, and many animal and cross-sectional human studies were considered to have a high risk of bias.

Summary: Compared to females, male offspring appear to be more sensitive to prenatal, but not postnatal, exposure to fluoride. We discuss several sex-specific mechanisms and emphasize the need for future research.

Keywords: exposure; fluoride; neurodevelopment; prenatal; sex-differences.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Flowchart of Inclusion Criteria for Experimental (Animal) Studies
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Flowchart of Inclusion Criteria for Epidemiological (Human) Studies
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