Risk Assessment of Dietary Exposure to Fluoride from Follow-On Milk Consumption

Breastfeeding based on the use of follow-on milk may contain traces of xenobiotic elements that could pose a risk to the health of the vulnerable population for which it is intended. Fluorine is a non-essential element that, at high concentrations, can produce adverse health effects such as dental fluorosis, decreased IQ (intelligence quotient), thyroid alterations, and kidney damage. Given the vulnerability of infants and the possible presence of fluoride in this type of product, the content of this anion was determined in a total of 46 samples of follow-on milk from different brands and types (starter, follow-on, and hydrolysate formulas) using a fluoride ion-selective electrode (EWI). The highest mean concentration of fluoride was recorded in the hydrolysate formulas (3.38 ± 2.78 mg/L). The dietary intake assessment indicated that some brands of hydrolyzed formulas could pose a health risk, providing up to 94.1% of the UL (upper level) with only one 90 mL serving in the 0-6-month age group. It is recommended that consumers be aware of the fluoride content in the water used to prepare bottles, as it can further increase total fluoride intake and therefore pose a risk to the health of infants.