Fluoride content of infant foods in Brazil and risk of dental fluorosis.

Abstract

The aim of this work was to analyze total F (TF) and HCl 0.01 M ("gastric juice")-soluble F (SF) of infant foods and beverages. Samples were divided into 3 groups: children cereals (A), chocolate milk (B) and soy beverages (C). Mean TF concentrations +/- SD (amplitude, unit mg F/mL or mg F/g) were: A) 4.255 +/- 3.038 (0.200-7.840, n = 6); B) 0.345 +/- 0.469 (0.047-1.272, n = 6); and C) 0.153 +/- 0.070 (0.092-0.295, n = 8). Five samples of cereals and one sample of chocolate milk were analyzed for SF. In cereals analyzed for SF, all F was soluble, while for the chocolate milk, approximately 50% of TF was soluble. It was observed that some of the cereals and beverages analyzed may be important contributors for total daily fluoride intake. When consumed just once per day, they may supply up to 25% of the maximum recommended daily F intake (0.07 mg F/Kg body weight) for a 2-year-old child (12 Kg).