A British study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Public Health suggests, in order to protect children’s intelligence, it is important they be kept away from both fluoride and fatty processed foods. The research indicates exposure to processed foods at a young age lowers the IQ, while around 20 studies over the past 10 years have also linked fluoride exposure to lowered IQ.

In 2007, the medical journal Lancet classed fluoride as an emerging neuro-toxin, and in the same year a scientific consensus stated the toxicity of fluoride to the developing brain.

Mark Atki, who belongs to Health Group Fluoride Action Network NZ said baby formula is never mixed with fluoridated water, nor are young children given fluoridated toothpaste, particularly the adult strength fluoridated toothpaste.

In 2006, the US Government and American Dental Association recommended against baby formula being made up by using water with 0.7 ppm or more fluoride. New Zealand Ministry of Health refusing to recognise the US warning; recommends 0.7 to 1 ppm fluoride in drinking water, which is unsuitable for babies. Even so, in 1997 the Food Standards Australia NZ identified the same risk.

Further, the Ministry and the NZ Dental Association both are also recommending children be given adult not child strength fluoride toothpaste, despite the recommendations of manufacturers, including saying the surplus is not to be rinsed out.

Atkin, a qualified lawyer said this is gross negligence, as adult strength toothpaste has 1000 ppm fluoride, and even swallowing just a small amount or not rinsing out the surplus, could increase the fluoride levels in the blood, causing neurological damage.