The National Toxicology Program (NTP) finally published a controversial report on Wednesday that links fluoride exposure to neurotoxic effects in children.
This report, which has faced years of pushback from public health officials who tried to block or weaken its conclusions, confirms with “moderate confidence” that higher fluoride levels in drinking water are consistently associated with lower IQs in kids.
This marks the first time a government publication has acknowledged what many fluoride researchers have long suspected: the fluoride added to the drinking water of millions in the U.S., once hailed as a major health achievement, poses serious neurological risks, especially for pregnant women and young children.
The report offers more than enough evidence to reconsider water fluoridation.
Dr. Kathleen Thiessen, a risk analysis scientist who co-authored the 2006 National Resource Council study on fluoride toxicity, said the report offers more than enough evidence to reconsider water fluoridation. She stated that the “moderate confidence” in the neurotoxic effects on unborn and newborn children should prompt an immediate halt to water fluoridation and efforts to reduce fluoride exposure overall.
About the Report
The report reviewed studies from around the world, including areas where fluoride occurs naturally and places like the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, where it is added to drinking water. The findings show that fluoride levels above 1.5 milligrams per liter (mg/L) in drinking water are consistently linked to lower IQs in children—only twice the level recommended by the CDC for preventing tooth decay.
The Fluoride and Low IQ Connection
Interestingly, the report highlights that almost all the high-quality studies reviewed—18 out of 19—found a connection between fluoride exposure and lower IQ in children. Additionally, 8 out of 9 studies looking at other neurodevelopmental issues also found significant links.
The report highlights that additional sources of fluoride could raise overall exposure levels, noting that even people living in areas with “optimal” water fluoridation might be affected depending on their extra fluoride intake from sources like toothpaste and food. Dr. Kathleen Thiessen pointed out that pregnant women are especially vulnerable since they consume more water, and formula-fed infants face high risks as well.
Industry Backlash
Despite these concerns, groups like the American Dental Association (ADA), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the CDC continue to support water fluoridation, arguing it helps prevent tooth decay by consistently exposing teeth to low levels of fluoride. Federal health officials have backed water fluoridation for over 50 years. However, as the NTP report neared publication in recent years, some public health officials have started reconsidering this practice.
In 2015, the U.S. Surgeon General reduced the recommended fluoride level in drinking water from 0.7-1.2 mg/L to 0.7 mg/L due to potential health risks. Then in 2020, likely in anticipation of the NTP report’s findings, the surgeon general’s office declined to publicly endorse water fluoridation, signaling a shift in stance.
How To Detox Kids from Fluoride
Fluoride in our water is an unfortunate reality that most of us cannot control, but we can take steps to mitigate its effects.
The problem isn’t just fluoride—it’s the onslaught of other toxins like chlorine, bromide, heavy metals, pesticides, and plastics that are bombarding our bodies daily. This toxic load overwhelms our detox pathways, bogs down our liver, and hampers thyroid health, metabolism, and cognitive function.
For children, this means a potential decline in creativity, focus, and overall brain health, contributing to the rising rates of conditions like autism, ADHD, anxiety, and depression.
The accumulation of toxins, including fluoride, leads to reduced ATP production and compromised mitochondrial function. This not only drains physical energy but also impacts mental clarity and cognitive abilities. As these toxins fill our cells, the body struggles to detoxify, which further deteriorates cellular function, leading to a cascade of health issues.
While fluoride is a significant piece of this toxic puzzle, it’s part of a much larger problem. By addressing overall detoxification and supporting the body’s natural defenses, we can help reduce the burden on our systems and support better health outcomes, especially for our children.
The Fluoride Iodine Connection
As fluoride exposure has increased over the last few decades, iodine consumption has decreased; this has led to more and more cognitive decline and chronic health issues.
As iodine intake has decreased, the need for iodine has increased, as it is effective in detoxing the cells from fluoride and other toxins, in addition to supporting mitochondrial health, energy, fat oxidation, and metabolism.
High doses of iodine are crucial for flushing out fluoride and other harmful substances from the body, thanks to a chemical process known as “Halogen Displacement.”
Halogen Displacement
In chemistry, elements in the same group on the periodic table share similar properties because they have the same number of electrons in their outer shell. This means lighter elements like fluorine, chlorine, and bromine can easily take over the receptor sites that a heavier element like iodine should occupy. When this happens, iodine gets pushed out, which is why it’s so easy for toxic metals and other harmful substances to embed themselves in the body.
Competitive Inhibition
But there’s a flip side to this: through a process called competitive inhibition, heavier elements like iodine can push out these lighter elements when taken in higher doses. This is especially important given how common iodine deficiency is, which can leave the body more vulnerable to toxic buildup and chronic disease.
By supplementing with iodine, you can fill those receptor sites, keeping toxins at bay and helping to expel any that are already present.
The Many Benefits of Iodine
Iodine does much more than just displacing the destructive fluoride in the body. Here’s a deeper look into why it’s so essential:
Cell Membrane Health: Our cell membranes consist of two layers of fat: one saturated and one unsaturated. These fats have an “iodine value” (I.V.), which measures how much iodine they need. Saturated fats are stable and have a low I.V., so they need less iodine. Unsaturated fats are unstable and have a high I.V., requiring more iodine to stay stable. Iodine attaches to these fats to create “iodolipids,” stabilizing the cell membrane. A stable cell membrane is crucial for allowing nutrients to enter the cell and waste to exit.
Without enough iodine, the membrane becomes unstable, leading to toxin buildup and nutrient deficiency, which can eventually cause disease, including cognitive decline in children.
Balancing Thyroid Function: Iodine is the building block for thyroid hormones, including T2, T3, and T4, which are essential for regulating metabolism, energy, and overall bodily functions.
It’s particularly important for managing both underactive (hypothyroidism) and overactive (hyperthyroidism) thyroid conditions. Hypothyroidism has been connected to lower cognitive function; without “energy”, the brain can’t function optimally.
Improving Metabolism: The thyroid hormones, powered by iodine, regulate many critical functions such as metabolism, temperature, heart rate, glucose, and lipid balance. Iodine also helps control cortisol levels and boosts immune function. Without enough iodine, the thyroid can’t perform properly, leading to a sluggish metabolism and related health issues.
Promoting Cellular Health: Iodine is key for apoptosis, the process of eliminating damaged or unhealthy cells. This not only helps prevent cancer but also supports anti-aging by keeping cell turnover healthy. Apoptosis occurs at higher rates during puberty, as the body is changing and growing at rapid rates. Without sufficient iodine, a child’s development will suffer, including their brain health.
Activating Hormone Receptors: Iodine ensures hormone receptors function correctly, which helps prevent certain cancers and promotes overall cellular health.
Boosting Energy Production: Iodine is crucial for the production of ATP, the energy currency of the cell. Adequate iodine ensures your body and brain have the energy it needs to function optimally.
Protecting Breast Health: Iodine is vital for preventing fibrocystic breast disease and lowering breast cancer risk. Studies show that women with iodine deficiency have a higher risk of breast cancer, often showing elevated bromine levels. Conversely, a diet rich in iodine is linked to better breast health.
Regulating Insulin and Blood Sugar: Iodine helps reduce insulin requirements, which is especially beneficial for people with diabetes, aiding in better blood sugar management. What’s more, blood sugar swings can be a significant contributor to children’s attention and focus issues in school.
Supporting Protein Synthesis: Protein synthesis, essential for growth and repair, relies on iodine. A deficiency can disrupt this process, affecting everything from development to organ health; to compound the issue, most children fail to eat a high-protein diet.
Combating Pathogens: Iodine’s antimicrobial properties make it effective against a wide range of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, contributing to better overall health.
Reducing Inflammation: Iodine helps modulate immune responses and reduce inflammation, which is vital for maintaining health and preventing chronic diseases.
Detoxification: Iodine helps eliminate all toxins, not just halogens like bromine, chlorine, and fluoride, which can interfere with thyroid function, metabolism, and overall health. It also helps detoxify the body from radiation, heavy metals, and other environmental toxins that have become increasingly prevalent.
Hormonal Balance: Iodine is essential for balancing estrogen levels, promoting reproductive health, maintaining optimal testosterone levels, and preventing estrogen dominance—a growing issue due to iodine deficiency and toxic overload.
Hydration and Antioxidation: Iodine acts as a potent antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals, hydrating cells, and protecting against oxidative stress, which is crucial for maintaining healthy tissues and organs.
Cognitive Health: Iodine deficiency is linked to cognitive decline, brain fog, and various mental health issues. It not only helps remove lead from the brain but also prevents it from accumulating in the first place. Proper thyroid function, supported by iodine, ensures good brain circulation, which is vital for mental clarity, memory, and emotional well-being.
Cardiovascular Health: Iodine’s role in regulating thyroid function is critical for heart health. Low thyroid function is associated with high cholesterol and sluggish performance of all organs, including the heart.
EMF Protection: Iodine may help protect against the harmful effects of electromagnetic frequencies (EMFs) from devices like smartphones and smart meters, which can negatively impact thyroid function and increase the risk of chronic diseases. EMFs have been shown to increase depression, anxiety, and ADHD while lowering IQ.
Supporting Pregnancy: Pregnant women need more iodine to support the developing fetus. Iodine deficiency during pregnancy is linked to lower IQ in children, highlighting the importance of adequate iodine intake for both mother and child.
Disease Treatment: High doses of iodine have been used to reverse certain diseases and assist in the healing of wounds and scars, showcasing its therapeutic potential.
Spiritual Well-being: Iodine nourishes the pineal gland, often called the “third eye,” fostering spiritual awareness and a connection to higher consciousness.
Improved Mood: Iodine deficiency is strongly linked to depression. Many people on antidepressants suffer from hypothyroidism and are iodine deficient, making iodine a key factor in improving mood and mental health.
Acceleradine® Iodine
Given the increasing need for iodine, supplementing has become essential. Unfortunately, not all iodine supplements are created equal. Many are derived from contaminated sources or come in less effective forms, like potassium iodide, sodium iodide, or povidone iodine. These versions have iodine bound to other molecules, meaning your body has to break them down before they can be used, leading to inefficient absorption. This process is particularly challenging for those with compromised immunity or low mitochondrial health—an issue that affects most people today.
That’s where Acceleradine® Iodine comes in. Unlike other supplements, this is the only pure, natural singlet active iodine (I-) available, suspended in alcohol and enhanced with scalar frequencies for optimal bioavailability. Because it exists as a single atom of iodine, without any attachments, it’s absorbed directly and efficiently into every cell—even by those with weaker systems.
Other Supplements to Increase Cognitive Function in Children
Accelerated Cogniblast®
Accelerated Cogniblast® is a game-changer, blending the wisdom of Ayurvedic herbs with cutting-edge “smart” nutraceuticals, all enhanced with Scalar frequencies to supercharge your brain’s performance.
Why Your Brain Will Love It:
- Boosts Mood: Helps you feel more uplifted and balanced, making every day a bit brighter.
- Enhances Focus: Sharpens your attention and concentration, keeping you in the zone.
- Increases Energy: Fires up ATP production, delivering more cellular energy to your brain and body.
- Reduces Anxiety: Helps keep stress and anxiety in check, so you feel more at ease.
- Increases Motivation: Fuels your drive, helping you stay productive and on task.
- Lowers Alzheimer’s and Dementia Risk: Supports long-term brain health, so you can stay sharp as you age.
- Neutralizes Free Radicals: Shields your brain from oxidative damage.
- Reduces Inflammation: Keeps both your brain and body healthy.
- Supports Vital Organs: Benefits more than just your brain, boosting your liver, lungs, kidneys, and more.
- Improves Circulation: Promotes better blood flow, essential for optimal brain function.
- Lowers Stress: Helps you keep stress under control, making it easier to navigate life’s challenges.
- Optimizes Energy: Keeps you energized and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.
The Scalar Frequencies Advantage:
- Clears Shock: Helps release emotional and physical trauma.
- Enhances Brain Health: Promotes overall brain function for peak performance.
- Improves Memory: Sharpens your ability to remember and recall important details.
- Detoxifies Toxins: Clears harmful toxins from the pineal and pituitary glands, the powerhouses of your brain.
- Decalcifies Glands: Helps restore the function of the pineal, pituitary, and hypothalamus glands.
- Balances Brain Hemispheres: Ensures both sides of your brain work in harmony for optimal cognitive performance.
In short, Accelerated Cogniblast® is like a full-service tune-up for your brain and body, helping you feel more focused, motivated, and balanced while keeping stress and anxiety at bay.
Accelerated Methylene Blue™
Methylene Blue has been gaining attention for its cognitive health benefits. Here’s why it’s a game-changer:
Antioxidant Powerhouse: This powerful antioxidant fights oxidative stress, which is a major contributor to aging, cognitive decline, and chronic illness.
Neuroprotective Benefits: Methylene blue has shown promise in supporting brain health, especially in conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. It boosts oxygen use in your cells and minimizes oxidative damage, which is crucial for maintaining brain function as we age.
Mitochondrial Boost: Your cells’ energy factories, the mitochondria, get a much-needed boost from methylene blue. It enhances energy production, improves ATP levels, and easily crosses cell membranes, including those in your brain.
Antimicrobial Properties: Say goodbye to brain fog with methylene blue’s ability to fight off bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It’s a powerful ally in keeping your brain clean
Cognitive Enhancement: Research suggests methylene blue can help sharpen your memory and cognitive abilities, making it easier to stay focused and on top of your game.
Antidepressant Effects: Feeling down? Methylene blue may increase serotonin levels, providing a natural lift in mood and helping to combat depression.
Increased Nitric Oxide: By improving blood flow and relaxing blood vessels, methylene blue supports better circulation, which is key to keeping your brain and body functioning at their best.
Brain Injury Support: If you’re recovering from a brain injury, methylene blue’s neuroprotective properties can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Why Accelerated Methylene Blue™ Stands Out
Purity and Quality: We use only 100% pure ingredients, combined with John Ellis Distilled Water, renowned for its pathogen-killing properties thanks to frothing, concentrated heat, and UV energy. This water maintains a high hydrogen bond angle, supporting your immune system like no other.
John Ellis Distilled Water: This patented water has a bond angle above 108 degrees, which not only eliminates pathogens but also preserves the energy your body needs to fight off diseases.
GRANDER® Water System: The water in Accelerated Methylene Blue™ is revitalized using the GRANDER® system, which enhances its internal structure and energetic quality. This means the water is more beneficial for your health, helping your body function more efficiently and reducing the need for harsh chemicals or detergents.
Restored Water Vitality: The GRANDER® system ensures that the water’s natural vitality, lost during processing, is restored. This makes it more supportive for all living organisms, including you.
When you choose Accelerated Methylene Blue™, you’re opting for a product that’s pure, potent, and enhanced with top-tier water technology, giving you the best possible health benefits.
Lifestyle Hacks to Help Boost Your Child's IQ
If you’re aiming to optimize your child’s health and brain power, there are a few key steps you can take:
Eliminate Sugars, Carbs, and Processed Foods
Cutting out sugar, refined carbs, and processed foods is one of the best things you can do for your gut and overall health. These foods are notorious for causing gut and brain inflammation, which not only messes with nutrient absorption but also leads to blood sugar spikes and crashes.
Processed foods, especially those loaded with unhealthy oils, can damage the intestinal lining. This damage can disrupt the production of serotonin and other mood-boosting hormones, setting the stage for insulin resistance, leaky gut, and a host of cognitive issues like anxiety, depression, and brain fog in children.
Focus on Wild Animal Protein
When it comes to protein, go wild—literally. Wild animal proteins such as bison, lamb, venison, elk, wild-caught fish, and organic eggs are packed with the nutrients your child’s brain needs to maintain healthy neurotransmitters and hormones. This, in turn, supports their metabolism and brain energy levels. On the other hand, steer clear of poultry and conventional beef. These meats often contain inflammatory fats and amyloid proteins that can disrupt their gut health and may even contribute to long-term issues like Alzheimer’s disease.
Prioritize Quality Sleep
It’s tempting to pull all-nighters as a teenager, especially when you’re crunched for time, but skimping on sleep is a major mistake. Getting 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night is crucial for maintaining mental sharpness, reducing inflammation, and supporting brain recovery. Without enough sleep, your child’s concentration and cognitive performance will take a hit, no matter how much coffee they drink.
Make Exercise a Habit
Exercise is a game-changer for both your child’s body and mind. Regular workouts trigger the release of endorphins—those “feel-good” hormones that boost your mood and energy. Exercise also increases Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), a protein that helps alleviate depression and sparks creativity. Aim for a mix of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) twice a week, along with some endurance and weight training to keep your body and brain in peak condition.
Sara Banta
Sara Banta is a Stanford University Graduate with a Degree in Economics and Psychology, and a certified Natural Supplement Expert & Graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Sara is the Founder of Accelerated Health Products and host of the health & wellness podcast, Accelerated Health Radio.
