A Systematic Review of Fluoride Consumption and Its Impact on Sports Performance: Potential Implications for Fundamental Motor Skills Development and Precision Movement

Background:Fluoride disrupts calcium signaling and mitochondrial function, leading to impaired muscle contractility, reduced endurance, and diminished precision. When compared to athletes in nonfluroide regions, athletes and youth in fluoride endemic regions also suffer disproportionate adverse effects, involving strength, endurance and movement based on precision, because of their high water intake and developmental vulnerabilities. Objectives: To undertake a systematic review of the effects of fluoride exposure on neuromuscular function, motor skill development, and sports performance, with a particular emphasis on strength, endurance, and precision based movements. Methods: Fifty two studies from PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science (2000- 2023) were reviewed using PRISMA guidelines. Studies that examined the impact fluoride had on the neuromuscular function and athletic performance of human and animal were inclusion criteria. Quantitatively and qualitatively the data were synthesized. Results: The disrupted signaling of calcium by fluoride diminishes muscle contractility, reduces endurance, and diminishes overall precision. The children exposed to high fluoride levels actually had a 20 % decline in grip strength, slower reaction times, and reduced VO2 max. Children in fluoride endemics regions like Sindh, Pakistan presented delayed motor milestones and neuromuscular deficits. Conclusions: Motor function as well as athletic performance is dramatically affected by exposure to excessive fluoride. These effects can be mitigated by interventions, including de-fluoridation technologies and nutritional strategies. The long term outcomes and mitigation measures need to be further researched.