Belgian fluoride supplement ban - Shorts

Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, Oct, 2003 by Jule Klotter

In July 2002, Belgium banned fluoride tablets, fluoride drops, and fluoride chewing gum. Federal Minister of Public Health Magda Aelvoet based her decision on research that has linked fluoride supplements with several negative health effects including joint problems, skeletal deformations, osteoporosis, and bone cancer. Studies have also shown that fluoride negatively affects the central nervous system (CNS). The first in vivo laboratory study of fluoride's neurological impact appeared in the Journal of Neurotoxicology and Teratology in 1995. Pharmacologist and toxicologist Phyllis J. Mullenix, who led Forsyth Dental Center's Toxicology Department at the time, and colleagues, showed that fluoride affects behavior, depending upon age at exposure and how much is in brain tissue. Their findings were supported by an extensive review article (International Clinical Psychopharmacology, 1994) that listed case reports of fluoride's effect on the human central nervous system. Impaired memory and concentration, lethargy, headache, depression, and confusion were common symptoms among the patients. In addition, two Chinese epidemiological studies (Fluoride 1995-1996) showed IQ deficits in children who received too much fluoride via drinking water or from soot in burning coal.

The scientific discussion concerning fluoride's effectiveness and its side effects has caused several European countries and Japan to stop fluoridating their drinking water, according to fluoride researcher Rudolf Ziegelbecker of Graz, Austria. Some of these countries, however, still permit the use of fluoride supplements, fluoride toothpaste, and dental filling material that leaches fluoride. In a July 2002 interview, Magda Aelvoet (who resigned to protest another issue a few months later) said that Belgium's ban of fluoride supplements was only a first step: "My administration will ask the manufacturers to make toothpaste fluoride-free. But we cannot force them into this.... toothpaste doesn't fall under food laws, but is regulated under the cosmetics act, which is regulated by Europe." Changing the way fluoride is viewed by the European Union will be a challenge. She observed, "Once a habit is firmly entrenched and it has a so-called scientific basis, and industry has an associated concern ... then it often takes a lot of time, a lot of arguments, and a lot of incentive to turn the tide."

Vermeire, Chris & Cremers, Peter (trans. Atma Kaur Fleerackers & Andreas Schuld). Away with the trade: Belgium prohibits--as the first country in the world--fluoride supplements. HUMO 30 July 2002 http:// 64,177.90.157/pfpc/html/hume.html or www.sonic. net/kryptox/dentistr/supl/suplment.htm

Mullenix, Phyllis J., PhD. Statement from Dr. Phyllis Mullenix on the Neurotoxicity of Fluoride. September 1998. www.fluoridealert.org

Ziegelbecker, Rudolf. Fluoridation in Europe. Fluoride 31(2) 1998, pp 171-174 www.fluoride-journal.com/ 9831-3/313-171.htm