Fluoride exposure and kidney and liver function among adolescents in the United States: NHANES, 2013–2016

Highlights

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Plasma fluoride concentrations are associated with kidney and liver parameters among United States (U.S.) adolescents

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Higher water fluoride concentrations are associated with lower blood urea nitrogen among U.S. adolescents

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Fluoride exposure may contribute to complex changes in kidney and liver related parameters among U.S. adolescents

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Altered kidney and/or liver function may impact bodily fluoride absorption and metabolic processes

Conclusions

Fluoride exposure may contribute to complex changes in kidney and liver related parameters among U.S. adolescents. As the study is cross-sectional, reverse causality cannot be ruled out; therefore, altered kidney and/or liver function may impact bodily fluoride absorption and metabolic processes.