Foods That Contain Fluoride

Fluoride is a naturally occurring element found in various foods and beverages. Understanding the fluoride content in different food items is essential for managing dietary intake and preventing conditions such as dental fluorosis. This article synthesizes research findings on the fluoride content in various foods and beverages across different regions.

Fluoride in Cereals and Grains

Cereals and grains are significant sources of fluoride. Research conducted in a European region found that bread and rice contain notable amounts of fluoride, with concentrations of 2.54 mg/kg and 2.28 mg/kg, respectively. Consuming 236 grams of bread or 263 grams of rice daily can meet the recommended daily intake for children aged 1-3 years. Similarly, cereals in Mexico were found to have higher fluoride content compared to those in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Fluoride in Nuts and Legumes

Nuts, particularly almonds and walnuts, have been identified as high in fluoride. Almonds contain approximately 3.70 mg/kg of fluoride, while walnuts have about 3.53 mg/kg. Legumes also contribute to fluoride intake, although their specific concentrations can vary based on regional agricultural practices and environmental factors .

Fluoride in Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables generally have lower fluoride concentrations compared to other food groups. However, they still contribute to overall fluoride intake. In the UK, vegetables were found to have fluoride concentrations ranging from 0.03 to 0.48 mg/kg. The fluoride content in fruits is typically lower, with values around 0.03 to 0.07 mg/kg.

Fluoride in Seafood

Seafood is another significant source of fluoride. In Mexico, seafood was found to have the highest fluoride content among various food groups, with concentrations reaching up to 371 µg/100 g. In the UK, canned sardines were reported to have fluoride concentrations as high as 1,054.20 µg/100 g.

Fluoride in Beverages

Beverages, particularly tea, are major contributors to fluoride intake. In the UK, beverages account for 71% of the total dietary fluoride intake, with tea being the primary source. Soft drinks and other beverages prepared with fluoridated water also have higher fluoride concentrations .

Fluoride in Infant Foods

Infant foods and drinks have been extensively studied for their fluoride content due to the risk of dental fluorosis in infants. In Australia, ready-to-eat infant foods showed a wide range of fluoride concentrations, with solid foods containing up to 2.8 µg/g and liquid foods up to 1.2 µg/mL. In the UK, infant foods containing chicken had the highest fluoride concentrations, ranging from 0.01 to 8.38 µg/g.

Conclusion

Fluoride is present in various foods and beverages, with concentrations varying significantly across different food groups and regions. Cereals, nuts, seafood, and beverages like tea are notable sources of fluoride. Monitoring fluoride intake from these sources is crucial, especially for vulnerable populations such as infants and young children, to prevent dental fluorosis while ensuring adequate fluoride for dental health.

Foods that contain fluoride

Summary

Not a yes or no question