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Minerals are essential nutrients that the human body needs in small amounts to work properly. They play a vital role in many bodily functions, such as building strong bones and transmitting nerve impulses. Some minerals are needed for hormone production or to maintain a normal heartbeat. Major minerals include calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, sodium, chlorine, and magnesium, while trace minerals include iron, manganese, copper, iodine, zinc, cobalt, fluoride, and selenium.

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Fluoride: From Nutrient to Suspected Neurotoxin.

Donald R Taves¹

¹School of Dentistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.

|September 9, 2022

Summary

This article reflects on fluoride's changing perception over 60 years, from a beneficial nutrient to a potential neurotoxin. It highlights the evolving scientific and public discourse surrounding water fluoridation.

Area of Science:

Public Health
Toxicology
Environmental Science

Background:

Fluoride's role in public health has shifted significantly over the past six decades.
Once considered a essential nutrient for dental health, concerns about fluoride's safety have emerged.

Purpose of the Study:

To provide a historical perspective on the scientific and public debate surrounding fluoride.
To examine the evolution of fluoride's classification from nutrient to suspected neurotoxin.

Main Methods:

Personal recollections of a public health officer and research scientist.
Analysis of the changing scientific literature and public opinion on fluoride.

Main Results:

The perception of fluoride has undergone a dramatic transformation.

Keywords:

fluoridation fluoride wars

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Maintaining dialogue between opposing viewpoints (pro- and anti-fluoridationists) was crucial.

Conclusions:

The scientific understanding and societal view of fluoride are complex and evolving.
Continued research and open discussion are necessary to address ongoing concerns about fluoride exposure.