On March 26, a frequent spreader of disinformation, the account Fant Ina, published a post claiming that the fluoride content in mineral waters was alarmingly high. According to the post, Georgian mineral waters, such as Borjomi, Likani, and Nabeghlavi, contain high levels of fluoride and pose a serious health risk when consumed.
The claim that Georgian mineral waters pose a serious health risk due to high fluoride content is misleading. Fluoride is naturally present in mineral waters, and mineral waters are not intended for regular consumption as a substitute for drinking water.
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in various water sources, including mineral waters. Its concentration depends on geological conditions, leading to different levels in various regions and water types. Borjomi, Likani, and Nabeghlavi are natural mineral waters, meaning their chemical composition forms naturally from underground water sources and mineral-rich rocks. For example, in certain mineral waters, fluoride content can reach up to 8 mg/L. As a result, fluoride regulations for mineral waters may differ from those applied to regular drinking water. It is also important to note that mineral waters are generally used for therapeutic purposes and health benefits and are not meant to replace drinking water.
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International Standards for Fluoride in Drinking and Mineral Water
Different countries and regulatory bodies have varying standards for the permissible concentration of fluoride in drinking and mineral water. For example, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the maximum fluoride limit in drinking water should be 1.5 mg/L. The same fluoride limit, 1.5 mg/L, is established by the European Union’s Drinking Water Directive. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates fluoride levels in drinking water under the Safe Drinking Water Act. The EPA has set the maximum permissible concentration at 4.0 mg/L, a threshold determined to prevent toxic effects on the human body.
When it comes to mineral water, fluoride levels are sometimes higher than in drinking water because fluoride naturally occurs in water sources. The EU Directive states that if the fluoride concentration in mineral water exceeds 1.5 mg/L, the bottle must include a warning that the water is not recommended for infants and children under 7 years old.
According to the information provided on labels, Borjomi and Likani contain more than 1.5 mg/L of fluoride, while Nabeghlavi has fluoride levels below 0.44 mg/L. A 2020 laboratory analysis found that fluoride levels in Borjomi water samples ranged between 5.4 and 10.6 mg/L, while bottled Borjomi water contained 6.8 mg/L of fluoride. According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), the maximum daily fluoride intake for an adult is 10 mg. For instance, if a person drinks 2 liters of water containing 5 mg/L of fluoride, they will consume 10 mg of fluoride from water alone, thus hitting the upper limit. However, since mineral water is not intended for regular consumption, exceeding the daily fluoride intake through mineral water alone is unlikely.
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What Can High Doses of Fluoride Cause?
Excessive fluoride intake can lead to dental or skeletal fluorosis. Dental fluorosis occurs when children consume high doses of fluoride while their teeth are still developing. This condition primarily causes cosmetic issues with the teeth, though it does not typically result in medical complications. Skeletal fluorosis may develop after long-term intake of high fluoride levels, leading to headache and joint pain, as well as fatigue. However, this usually occurs only if a person consistently consumes more than 10 mg/kg of fluoride per day, which is a very high amount.
In recent years, researchers have studied fluoride’s impact on children’s cognitive development. A meta-analysis published in JAMA Pediatrics, based on 59 studies, found a statistically significant link between high-fluoride water consumption and lower IQ scores in children. According to a review by the U.S. National Toxicology Program (NTP), for every 1 mg/L increase in fluoride concentration in urine, IQ scores in children dropped by 1.63 points. Notably, this effect was observed even when fluoride levels were below 1.5 mg/L, which is within the permissible limit. However, it is crucial to note that these studies only demonstrate correlation, not causation. Other factors such as socioeconomic status, nutrition, and environmental toxins may also influence cognitive abilities.
The impact of fluoride on kidney function is less studied, but some limited evidence suggests possible harmful effects. A study published in Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology indicated that excessive fluoride intake may negatively affect various organs, including the kidneys. However, the mechanisms behind this relationship require further research. Another study conducted among adults found that high fluoride levels were associated with changes in certain kidney function indicators, but scientists emphasized that the evidence is insufficient for definitive conclusions.
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