Latest news with #NationalToxicologyProgram
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
RFK Jr. Chugs Raw Milk With Crackpot Doc at White House
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. skipped the champagne when celebrating the release of his agency's Make America Healthy Again report. Instead, the Health and Human Services secretary marked the publication of the error-ridden report—which linked to nonexistent scientific studies—with a shooter of non-pasteurized milk alongside controversial health influencer Dr. Paul Saladino, who pushes an animal-based diet. 'Raw milk shooters at the @WhiteHouse with @RobertKennedyJr,' Saladino, also known as Carnivore MD, posted on X alongside a video of the pair slamming the shots. In the clip, Saladino mentions that the milk is free of glyphosate—a controversial chemical found in pesticides like weed killer Roundup and is also commonly used by farmers. Kennedy has linked the chemical to childhood chronic diseases and has said it is contaminating American food. 'One of the things I know you're thinking a lot about is this huge amount of glyphosate, so we've got glyphosate-free honey and raw milk,' Saladino says. Then the pair clinks glasses, and Saladino thanks Kennedy, with products from his meat-based food brand Lineage Provisions visible in the background. 'Thank you for your work. It's an honor to spend time with you,' Saladino says. 'You too,' Kennedy responds. In March 2015, the World Health Organisation's International Agency on Research into Carcinogens (IARC) announced that glyphosate probably causes a type of cancer called non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which affects the lymphatic system. However, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says glyphosate is 'not likely to be carcinogenic to humans' at exposure levels found in real-world use. In 2023, the National Institutes of Health's National Toxicology Program said that glyphosate is 'unlikely' to be toxic to humans. On the other hand, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said in a March 2024 advisory that 'raw milk can contain a variety of disease-causing pathogens, as demonstrated by numerous scientific studies.' Raw milk is 150 times more likely to cause foodborne illnesses than milk that hasn't been pasteurized, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It can carry pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, Campylobacter, and Brucella. Drinking it can cause issues ranging from mild gastrointestinal distress to serious conditions like hemolytic uremic syndrome, which stems from E. coli and can lead to kidney failure. Sepsis, or bloodstream infections, can also occur. In an earlier Instagram video, Saladino had bragged about taking his own raw meat lunch to the White House. 'I am in D.C. for the big announcement of the MAHA chronic disease report. I've got a raw milk smoothie in here that is raw milk, blueberries, honey, and raw meat actually,' he said, 'We're taking America back, guys.'
Wall Street Journal
2 days ago
- Health
- Wall Street Journal
The Folly of Investigating Fluoride Toothpaste
Your editorial 'The Fluoride Toothpaste Conspiracy' (May 15) is on target. Allow me to go even further. The 2024 National Toxicology Program study that has helped fuel Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's investigation is highly flawed. It is based on its review of 19 reports, none of which were conducted in the U.S. Ten were from China, three from India and Mexico, two from Canada and one from Iran. IQ studies aren't perfect without reliable outcomes, and IQ studies in young children are less reliable and difficult to measure. Even so, the study's conclusion was that there was 'moderate confidence' that fluoride exposure in drinking water above 1.5 milligrams per liter (mg/L) leads to negative effects among children. No effect was noted in adults. The World Health Organization's guideline is 1.5 mg/L, and the U.S.'s is 0.7 mg/L. The results are thus of limited relevance in the U.S anyway.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Florida joins Utah as the second state to ban fluoride in water
Absurd conspiracy theories about fluoride in drinking water are taking hold in the Republican Party. On Thursday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis became the second governor to sign a bill banning the widely used practice of introducing fluoride in drinking water, after Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, a fellow Republican, did so in March. Experts, including at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and major medical associations, have touted the benefits of fluoride in water for decades, particularly for children, to help reduce cavities and prevent tooth decay. In fact, you can read this link for information about the benefits for rural communities, many of which have voted heavily for Donald Trump and other Republicans in past elections. But Trump has accelerated what I've come to see as the stupefaction — or, more simply, the dumbing down — of America, as his administration has spurned and defunded various medical research programs and embraced dangerous, conspiratorial thinking when it comes to health measures. And that behavior is giving Republicans at the state level the green light to engage in similar health-related delusion. The Wall Street Journal's MAGA-friendly editorial board recently criticized Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton for launching a conspiracy theory-fueled investigation into two toothpaste companies, Colgate-Palmolive and Procter & Gamble. The Republican AG initiated the probe over baseless claims, saying that the companies are 'marketing toothpaste products to parents and children in ways that are misleading, deceptive, and dangerous.' The Journal's editorial board debunked Paxton's accusation: He's out to nail what he thinks is the vast fluoride toothpaste conspiracy. Mr. Paxton claims there is a 'statistically significant association' between children who ingested too much fluoride and lower IQ scores. He says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends only a 'rice-sized 'smear'' for three-years old and the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends 'no more than a pea-sized amount' for children between three and six. Guess who else endorses the pea-sized amount? The toothpaste sellers, who put the same recommendation clear as day on their children's toothpaste labels. The label on Crest Kids toothpaste says 'use a pea-sized amount in children under 6.' The op-ed went on to slam opposition to fluoridated water, as well: Mr. Paxton points to a 2024 National Toxicology Program study to suggest that fluoride is harming children, but the ADA says the study considered children who received fluoride levels twice what's in drinking water. Fluoride has improved oral health, especially in rural communities. American Dental Association President Brett Kessler says dentists 'see on a daily basis the benefits of fluoride—from both drinking fluoridated water and topically in products like fluoride toothpaste.' And the op-ed notes that Paxton may have some ulterior motives in going on this conspiratorial fishing expedition that parrots claims made by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., saying that Paxton 'is running against incumbent GOP Sen. John Cornyn, and he must figure there are primary votes in mimicking' Kennedy. Indeed, politics seem to be the motivation behind this growing anti-fluoride movement. And residents in the states under Republicans' control could bear the brunt of their anti-scientific article was originally published on
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
These Fluoride Products Are The Latest To Be Targeted By RFK Jr. And The FDA
WASHINGTON (AP) — US health regulators announced an effort Tuesday to phase out ingestible fluoride supplements sometimes used to strengthen children's teeth, opening a new front in Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s effort against a mainstay of dental care. The Food and Drug Administration said it will conduct a scientific review of the children's products by late October with the aim of removing them from the market. Formally withdrawing medical products requires a lengthy rulemaking process that can take years. Instead, the FDA will ask manufacturers to voluntarily pull their products, according to an administration official. Fluoride tablets and lozenges are sometimes recommended for children and teens at increased risk of tooth decay or cavities because of low fluoride in their local drinking water. Companies also sell drops for babies. Related: Donald Trump Claims The US Will "Take Over" Gaza, And MAGA Supporters Are FINALLY Realizing What They Voted For FDA Commissioner Marty Makary said the products pose a risk when swallowed because they may interfere with healthy gut bacteria that are critical to digestion, immunity, and other key bodily functions. He also referenced studies showing possible associations between excess fluoride intake and other problems, including decreased IQ. Previous reviews by public health experts and dental professionals have not shown any serious health risks with the products. Related: A Picture Of Donald Trump's Face Being Two Completely Different Colors Is Going Viral For Obvious Reasons As state and local governments begin removing fluoride from their water, the need for supplemental fluoride is expected to grow. Officials in Utah — the first US state to ban fluoride from drinking water — recently made fluoride supplements available without a prescription. Fluoride strengthens teeth and reduces cavities by replacing minerals lost during normal wear and tear, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 1962, the agency set guidelines for how much should be added to water. Kennedy, a former environmental lawyer, has called fluoride a 'dangerous neurotoxin' tied to a range of health dangers. Last month, he announced a task force to scrutinize fluoride's use, while at the same time saying he would order the CDC to stop recommending that it be added to tap water. A report last year by the federal government's National Toxicology Program concluded that drinking water with more than twice the CDC's recommended level was associated with lower IQs in kids. The study was based on research conducted in Canada, China, India, Iran, Pakistan, and Mexico. 'Ending the use of ingestible fluoride is long overdue,' Kennedy said in a statement Tuesday. 'This decision brings us one step closer to delivering on President Trump's promise to Make America Healthy Again.' An influential government health panel recommends fluoride supplements for children between the ages of six months and 5 years if they live in areas with low fluoridation levels. The US Preventative Services Task Forces judged the recommendation to have 'high certainty,' based on the available evidence. A 2010 paper from the American Dental Association recommended supplemental fluoride for children up to 16 years old who are at high risk of cavities. The recommendation was based on a review of studies across different age groups. The most common side effect associated with the products is spotting or discoloration of the teeth, caused by extra fluoride. The ADA did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The FDA regulates most dental products, including fluoride-containing toothpastes, supplements, mouthwashes, and rinses. But in Tuesday's press release, the FDA said the ingestible products targeted by the agency have 'never been approved.' Its plan wouldn't affect toothpastes, mouthwash, or fluoride treatments used by adults or offered in dentists' offices. In recent weeks, fluoride-containing products have increasingly been targeted with lawsuits and legal actions. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced an investigation early this month into the marketing of fluoride toothpastes by Colgate-Palmolive and Proctor and Gamble. A press release from his office described the companies' promotions as 'misleading, deceptive, and dangerous.' This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Also in In the News: "We Went From 'Lower The Price Of Eggs' To 'Lower Your Standard Of Living'": 39 Of The Best, Most Brutal, And Very Relatable Political Tweets Of The Month Also in In the News: "We Don't Import Food": 31 Americans Who Are Just So, So Confused About Tariffs And US Trade Also in In the News: People Who Voted For Trump Are Getting Very Honest About Donald Trump's Latest Truth Social Post
Buzz Feed
16-05-2025
- Health
- Buzz Feed
RFK Jr. And FDA Target Fluoride Supplements
WASHINGTON (AP) — US health regulators announced an effort Tuesday to phase out ingestible fluoride supplements sometimes used to strengthen children's teeth, opening a new front in Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s effort against a mainstay of dental care. The Food and Drug Administration said it will conduct a scientific review of the children's products by late October with the aim of removing them from the market. Formally withdrawing medical products requires a lengthy rulemaking process that can take years. Instead, the FDA will ask manufacturers to voluntarily pull their products, according to an administration official. Fluoride tablets and lozenges are sometimes recommended for children and teens at increased risk of tooth decay or cavities because of low fluoride in their local drinking water. Companies also sell drops for babies. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary said the products pose a risk when swallowed because they may interfere with healthy gut bacteria that are critical to digestion, immunity, and other key bodily functions. He also referenced studies showing possible associations between excess fluoride intake and other problems, including decreased IQ. Previous reviews by public health experts and dental professionals have not shown any serious health risks with the products. As state and local governments begin removing fluoride from their water, the need for supplemental fluoride is expected to grow. Officials in Utah — the first US state to ban fluoride from drinking water — recently made fluoride supplements available without a prescription. Fluoride strengthens teeth and reduces cavities by replacing minerals lost during normal wear and tear, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 1962, the agency set guidelines for how much should be added to water. Kennedy, a former environmental lawyer, has called fluoride a 'dangerous neurotoxin' tied to a range of health dangers. Last month, he announced a task force to scrutinize fluoride's use, while at the same time saying he would order the CDC to stop recommending that it be added to tap water. A report last year by the federal government's National Toxicology Program concluded that drinking water with more than twice the CDC's recommended level was associated with lower IQs in kids. The study was based on research conducted in Canada, China, India, Iran, Pakistan, and Mexico. 'Ending the use of ingestible fluoride is long overdue,' Kennedy said in a statement Tuesday. 'This decision brings us one step closer to delivering on President Trump's promise to Make America Healthy Again.' An influential government health panel recommends fluoride supplements for children between the ages of six months and 5 years if they live in areas with low fluoridation levels. The US Preventative Services Task Forces judged the recommendation to have 'high certainty,' based on the available evidence. A 2010 paper from the American Dental Association recommended supplemental fluoride for children up to 16 years old who are at high risk of cavities. The recommendation was based on a review of studies across different age groups. The most common side effect associated with the products is spotting or discoloration of the teeth, caused by extra fluoride. The ADA did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Lechatnoir / Getty Images The FDA regulates most dental products, including fluoride-containing toothpastes, supplements, mouthwashes, and rinses. But in Tuesday's press release, the FDA said the ingestible products targeted by the agency have 'never been approved.' Its plan wouldn't affect toothpastes, mouthwash, or fluoride treatments used by adults or offered in dentists' offices. In recent weeks, fluoride-containing products have increasingly been targeted with lawsuits and legal actions. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced an investigation early this month into the marketing of fluoride toothpastes by Colgate-Palmolive and Proctor and Gamble. A press release from his office described the companies' promotions as 'misleading, deceptive, and dangerous.'
