Estimation of the fluoride concentrations in human breast milk, cow's milk and infant formulae

Fluoride has a significant effect on the prevention of dental caries. The major dietary intake of the infants constitutes the breast milk cow's milk and infant milk formulations in which the fluoride contents varies widely. Hence it is important to identify the potential milk source of high fluoride intake in an infant's diet and to evaluate the need for the fluoride supplementation. The aim of the present study was to determine the fluoride concentrations in breast milk, cow's milk, infant formulae and water samples in Mangalore city, India, using fluoride electrode (Orion Model 940900). It was noted that minimal amount of fluoride was found to be present in breast milk and cow's milk samples, while the fluoride content of water samples was found to be below the optimum level. On the contrary the infant formulae were found to have equal or more levels of fluoride.