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Patterns of fluoride intake from 36 to 72 months of age
Steven M Levy1, John J Warren, Barbara Broffitt
1Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry, N330 DSB, College of Dentistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. steven-levy@uiowa.edu
Insights
Daily fluoride intake from various sources remained stable for children aged 36 to 72 months. This study tracked fluoride consumption in young children to understand dental health implications.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Dental Public Health
- Nutritional Epidemiology
Background:
- Assessing daily fluoride intake is crucial for monitoring potential risks of dental fluorosis.
- Understanding fluoride sources in children's diets is essential for public health recommendations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate daily fluoride intake from water, beverages, foods, dentifrice, and supplements in children aged 36-72 months.
- To analyze fluoride intake individually and combined, in both mg and mg F/kg body weight.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from 785 children in the Iowa Fluoride Study (recruited 1992-95).
- Dietary fluoride intake estimates incorporated community/individual water fluoride levels and average fluoride in beverages/foods.
- Descriptive statistics and generalized linear models (GLM) analyzed intake levels and demographic associations.
Main Results:
- Substantial variation in individual fluoride intake was observed.
- Daily water fluoride intake (mg) increased with age; intake from beverages and dentifrice slightly decreased.
- Combined fluoride intake per body weight (mg F/kg bw) declined with age, as did the percentage exceeding fluorosis thresholds.
Conclusions:
- Mean daily fluoride intakes from single and combined sources were relatively stable between 36 and 72 months of age.
- Findings contribute to understanding fluoride exposure patterns in young children.
Objectives:
This paper reports on estimated daily fluoride intake from water by itself, beverages, selected foods, dentifrice, and dietary supplements, both individually and combined (mg and mg F/kg bw), among 785 children in the Iowa Fluoride Study from 36 to 72 months of age.
Methods:
Children were recruited in 1992-95, with questionnaires sent at four- to six-month intervals. Dietary fluoride intake estimates used community and individual water fluoride levels and average fluoride levels of beverages and foods prepared with water. Descriptive statistics and generalized linear models (GLM) assessed levels and associations with demographic factors.
Results:
There was substantial variation in fluoride intake, with some individuals' intakes greatly exceeding the means. Daily water fluoride intake estimates (in mg) increased with age, fluoride intake from other beverages and dentifrice both decreased slightly, and combined intake was quite consistent. For combined intake per unit body weight (mg F/kg bw), there was a steady decline with age. Therefore, the percentages with estimated intake exceeding possible thresholds for dental fluorosis also declined with age.
Conclusions:
Daily mean fluoride intakes from single and combined sources are relatively stable from 36-72 months of age among these children.
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