Estimation of daily fluoride intake of infants using the microdiffusion method

Worldwide Variations in Fluoride Content in Beverages for Infants

In situations where breastfeeding is impractical, milk formulas have emerged as the primary choice for infant nutrition. Numerous global studies have scrutinized the fluoride content in these formulas, uncovering fluctuations in fluoride levels directly associated with the method of preparation. This variability poses a potential risk of elevated fluoride concentrations and, consequently, an increased susceptibility to dental fluorosis in infants. The primary objective of this review is to intricately delineate the fluoride content in dairy formulas and emphasize the variability of these values concerning their reconstitution process. The review's findings reveal that, among the 17 studies assessing fluoride levels in infant formula, milk-based formulas exhibit a range of 0.01-0.92 ppm, with only two studies exceeding 1.30 ppm. Conversely, soy-based formulas demonstrate values ranging from 0.13-1.11 ppm. In conclusion, the observed variability in fluoride levels in infant formulas is ascribed to the choice of the water source employed in the preparation process. This underscores the paramount importance of meticulously adhering to recommendations and guidelines provided by healthcare professionals concerning the utilization of these formulas and their meticulous reconstitution.

A comparative evaluation of the fluoride content in commercially available infant formulae in India: An in vitro study

CONTEXT

The most critical period for enamel fluorosis to develop is during the early years of life when enamel formation occurs. To minimize the risk of dental fluorosis development, monitoring fluoride intake during teeth development has been suggested. As infant formulae are major source of nutrition in infants, it is important to determine the fluoride content in them in order to monitor the fluoride intake in infants.

AIMS

To estimate and comparatively evaluate the fluoride content in different commercially available infant formulae in India.

METHODOLOGY

A total of 16 commercially available infant formulae were collected from local pharma/grocery stores, in which 14 were milk based (Group M) and 2 were soy based (Group S). Fluoride content of the formulae was evaluated using ORION F selective electrode.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED

ANOVA test, t-test.

RESULTS

The mean F values for groups M and S were found to be 0.031 and 0.07 ppm, respectively. Fluoride content of milk-based formulae was significantly lesser (P < 0.001) than soy-based formulae. Daily fluoride intake through the tested formulae was in the range of 0.013 mg and 0.105 mg when calculated following the manufacturer's preparation guidelines.

CONCLUSIONS

Infant formulae alone were unlikely to be a risk factor for dental fluorosis, but when reconstituted with optimally fluoridated water, they can be a risk factor for the development of dental fluorosis.

Risk assessment of fluoride daily intake from preference beverage

Background/purpose

Tea, coffee and alcohol beverages are called preference beverage and are drunk habitual and in large quantities. Therefore, there is a high possibility that a health risk is caused by the contained components, and risk assessment of intake is essential. However, the risk assessment of fluoride intake from preference beverages has not been sufficiently performed.

Materials and methods

This study estimated the daily fluoride intake from preference beverages by measuring the fluoride concentration of infusion liquid and measuring the total fluoride content by the microdiffusion method. In addition, Hazard Quotient (HQ) was calculated for children and adults to assess the risk of fluoride intake.

Results

As a result of this study, tea was the highest in all sample species, the infusion of tea was 1.06-6.68 mg/L and the total fluoride content of tea was 47.05-291.98 mg/kg. Green tea showed the next highest value, 0.26-4.09 mg/L, 21.91-83.68 mg/kg. Herbal tea fluoride levels were 0.07-0.17 mg/L and 0.05-1.90 mg/kg, Unique tea was 0.03-0.60 mg/L and 0.03-32.37 mg/kg, Coffee was 0.03-0.15 mg/L and 0.04-0.64 mg/kg.

Conclusion

The HQ values calculated from the average daily fluoride intake (DFI) of preference beverages were all within the safe range. Some products made from Camellia sinensis, such as tea and green tea, had 1.66 mg/day as DFI at maximum, and the Child's HQ exceeded 1. These results suggest that habitual consumption of some products requires risk management of dental fluorosis.