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Application and Methodology of the Non-destructive 19F Time-domain NMR Technique to Measure the Content in Fluorine-containing Drug Products
09:24

Application and Methodology of the Non-destructive 19F Time-domain NMR Technique to Measure the Content in Fluorine-containing Drug Products

Published on: August 22, 2017

Fluoride content of powdered infant formula meets Australian Food Safety Standards

Helen Clifford1, Henry Olszowy, Megan Young

  • 1Queensland Health, Southport, QLD 4215. helen_clifford@health.qld.gov.au

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health
|January 19, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Infant formula powders in Australia contain less fluoride than a decade ago. While soy formulas have higher fluoride than milk-based ones, both remain within safe national standards for infant consumption.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Analytical Chemistry

Background:

  • Fluoride intake in infants is a critical factor in dental health and overall development.
  • Previous studies in Australia (1996) established baseline fluoride levels in infant formula.
  • Understanding current fluoride content is essential for assessing infant exposure and potential health impacts.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the fluoride concentration in powdered infant formulas available in Brisbane, Australia (2006/07).
  • To compare these levels with data from 10 years prior.
  • To estimate the daily fluoride intake for infants aged 0-12 months based on formula type and water fluoridation.

Main Methods:

  • Infant formula powder samples were collected from major Brisbane retailers.
  • Fluoride levels were quantified using a modified micro-diffusion method with ion-selective electrode detection.
  • Fluoride content was analyzed pre- and post-reconstitution, and daily intake was calculated based on age and water fluoride levels.

Main Results:

  • Powdered infant formulas averaged 0.49 microg F/g (range 0.24-0.92 microg F/g).
  • Reconstituted formula (with 0 mg/L fluoride water) averaged 7.09 microg F/100mL (range 3.367-22.72 microg F/100mL).
  • Estimated daily fluoride intake varied significantly, from 0.0039 mg/kg/day (milk-based, non-fluoridated water) to 0.1735 mg/kg/day (soy-based, fluoridated water).

Conclusions:

  • Current infant formula powders contain lower fluoride levels compared to Australian data from 1996.
  • Milk-based formulas contribute minimal fluoride to infant diets.
  • Soy-based formulas contain more fluoride than milk-based, but levels are compliant with national food standards.
Abstract

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