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Fluoride content of solid foods impacts daily intake
Scott J Rankin1, Steven M Levy, John J Warren
1US Army, Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX, USA. scott.rankin@us.army.mil
Journal of Public Health Dentistry
|February 10, 2012
Summary
Solid foods contribute significantly to children's fluoride intake, with the percentage increasing from 8% at 6 months to 39% by 12 months. Some children derive up to 88% of their fluoride from solid foods.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Dental Public Health
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Fluoride is essential for dental caries prevention.
- Dietary fluoride intake sources can vary significantly in children.
- Understanding fluoride sources is crucial for public health recommendations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the contribution of solid foods to the total dietary fluoride intake in a cohort of young children.
- To analyze the changes in fluoride intake from solid foods across different developmental stages.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of data from a cohort of children.
- Dietary intake assessed via parental questionnaires and 3-day food diaries.
- Data collected at multiple time points from 6 to 60 months of age.
Main Results:
- At 6 months, solid foods accounted for an estimated 8% of dietary fluoride intake.
- By 12 months, this contribution rose to an estimated 39%.
- From 24 to 60 months, the mean intake stabilized between 36-39%, but individual children received up to 88% from solid foods.
Conclusions:
- Solid foods represent a substantial and variable source of dietary fluoride for young children.
- A significant portion of fluoride intake can originate from solid foods, particularly in some individuals.
- These findings highlight the importance of considering solid food consumption when assessing children's total fluoride exposure.
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