The agency wants manufacturers to remove them from the market, contending they harm the gut microbiome, could cause thyroid dysfunction and lower IQ. Two states have banned the mineral in drinking water.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Tuesday it is starting a process to remove fluoride supplements for children from the market, the latest federal action against the tooth-strengthening mineral.

The US Food and Drug Administration says it is starting the process to remove prescription fluoride tablets and drops from the market.

The FDA says it will conduct a scientific review of children's ingestible fluoride prescription drug products by Oct. 31 with the aim of removing them from the market.

In press release, the agency said ingestible fluoride products differ from topical goods like toothpaste and mouthwash because they have been “shown to alter the gut microbiome, which is of magnified concern given the early development of the gut microbiome in childhood.