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Fluoride intake by infants.
1Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242-1083, USA. samfomon@aol.com
Journal of Public Health Dentistry
|February 22, 2000
Summary
Infant fluoride intake varies significantly, especially with formula feeding, potentially increasing risks for dental fluorosis. Modern feeding trends mean prolonged exposure to higher fluoride levels is more common now.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Dental Public Health
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Breastfeeding rates decline significantly after the first few months.
- Infant formula is a primary nutrition source for many US infants up to 10 months.
- Fluoride intake in infants is highly variable, influenced by formula preparation and water fluoride content.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess fluoride intake levels in US infants.
- To evaluate the risk of dental fluorosis associated with infant feeding practices.
- To examine the impact of changing infant feeding trends on fluoride exposure.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of fluoride intake from breast milk, formula, and drinking water.
- Estimation of fluoride consumption based on infant weight and dietary intake.
- Comparison of current feeding practices with historical data.
Main Results:
- Fluoride intake is low for fully breast-fed infants.
- Formula-fed infants' fluoride intake depends heavily on water used for preparation.
- Supplementation in low-fluoride water areas can lead to concerning intake levels.
- Increased formula use and prolonged feeding expose more infants to higher fluoride levels.
Conclusions:
- Changing infant feeding practices, particularly increased formula use, have altered fluoride exposure patterns.
- Prolonged infant exposure to high fluoride levels, especially from formula, is more prevalent now.
- Monitoring infant fluoride intake is crucial for preventing dental fluorosis.