Updated Position of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

UPDATED POSITION OF ACADEMY OF NUTRITION AND DIETETICS:

THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF FLUORIDE

CHICAGO – Fluoride provides health benefits throughout a person’s life, especially for bones and teeth, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association). In an updated position paper, “The Impact of Fluoride,” the Academy supports fluoride as an “important public health measure” that promotes overall health.

The position paper has been published in the September Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and can be found on the Academy’s website. It states:

It is the position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to support optimal systemic and topical fluoride as an important public health measure to promote oral health and overall health throughout life.

When fluoride is provided in optimal amounts, major dental health benefits may be achieved in all age groups, according to the Academy. In addition, fluoridation of public water supplies is recognized as one of the most effective dental public health measures. The Academy urges registered dietitians to promote appropriate fluoride intake as essential for optimal health.

The Academy’s position paper was written by registered dietitians Carole A. Palmer, EdD, RD, LDN, division head of nutrition and oral health promotion and professor at the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and Friedman School of Nutrition Science; and Joyce Ann Gilbert, PhD, RD, (executive director and associate professor at the Marilyn Magaram Center at California State University – Northridge.