Fluoride food sources
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Fluoride Food Sources: An Overview
Introduction to Fluoride in Foods
Fluoride is a naturally occurring element found in soil and water, and it can accumulate in various foods. While fluoride is beneficial in preventing dental caries, excessive intake can lead to dental or skeletal fluorosis. Understanding the sources and levels of fluoride in foods is crucial for managing intake, especially in vulnerable populations like children.
Fluoride in Cereals, Nuts, and Vegetables
Research indicates that certain foods can have significant fluoride concentrations. For instance, almonds and walnuts have been found to contain high levels of fluoride, with concentrations of 3.70 mg/kg and 3.53 mg/kg, respectively. Bread and rice also show notable fluoride levels, with bread containing 2.54 mg/kg and rice 2.28 mg/kg. Consuming 236 grams of bread or 263 grams of rice daily can meet the recommended daily intake (DRI) of fluoride for children aged 1-3 years, which is set at 0.6 mg/day.
Fluoride in Infant Foods and Drinks
Infant foods and drinks can also be significant sources of fluoride. A study in Australia found that ready-to-eat (RTE) infant foods and drinks had varying fluoride content, with solid food samples containing up to 2.8 µg F/g and liquid samples up to 1.2 µg F/mL. The wide variation in fluoride content is attributed to different processing steps and ingredients, including water used in preparation. High fluoride levels in these foods pose a risk of dental fluorosis in infants.
Fluoride from Water and Food Preparation
The fluoride content in food can be influenced by the water used in its preparation. In a study conducted in Ethiopia, children consuming food prepared with high-fluoride water had significantly higher dietary fluoride intake. For example, children in a village using water with 14 mg F/L had a dietary fluoride intake of 4.8 mg/day, compared to 2.3 mg/day in a village using water with 1.8-2.1 mg F/L. This highlights the importance of considering water sources when assessing fluoride intake from foods.
Fluoride in Fish and Marine Products
Marine products, particularly those involving krill or amphipod meals, can also contribute to fluoride intake. Studies on fish such as Atlantic salmon and cod fed diets with krill or amphipod meals showed increased fluoride levels in their diets and faeces, although no significant increase was observed in their organs. This suggests that while marine-based diets can elevate fluoride intake, the bioaccumulation in fish tissues may be limited.
Fluoride in Beverages and Juices
Beverages, including soft drinks and natural juices, are additional sources of fluoride. Analysis of various drinks revealed mean fluoride concentrations of 0.47 mg/L in soft drinks and 0.39 mg/L in natural juices. Tea-based drinks and grape juices were particularly notable, contributing significantly to the recommended daily intake of fluoride, especially in children.
Mechanically Separated Chicken and Processed Foods
Mechanically separated chicken is another notable source of fluoride. Foods made with this ingredient, such as chicken sticks and luncheon meats, can have high fluoride content. A single serving of chicken sticks can provide about half of a child's upper limit of safety for fluoride intake. This is likely due to the mechanical separation process, which increases fluoride levels.
Conclusion
Fluoride is present in a wide range of foods and beverages, with significant variations depending on the source and preparation methods. While fluoride is beneficial for dental health, excessive intake, particularly in children, can lead to adverse effects such as dental fluorosis. It is essential to monitor and manage fluoride intake from various dietary sources to ensure it remains within safe limits.
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