Risk of Fluorosis Associated With Infant Formulas Prepared With Bottled Water

Resident: Roberts

Date: 5/13/10

Article title: Risk of Fluorosis Associated With Infant Formulas Prepared With Bottled Water

Author: Buzalef Marilia et al.

Journal: Journal of Dentistry for Children

Volume #: 71 number: 2

Pages: 110-113

Year: 2004

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the daily consumption of fluoride in the diet of an infant using infant formula with fluoridated and non-fluoridated water.

Methods:

Four infant formulas(Enfanmil Lacto-free, Soy infant formula; Enfamil Prosobee, Prosobee RTF) were prepared according to manufacturer instructions using deionized water and 5 brands of bottled water(Danon, Crystal Geyeser, Pure American, Ice Mountain, Nursery Water). Possible fluoride ingestion per kg body mass was estimated, based on suggested volumes of formula consumption, for infants 1 and 12 months.

Results/Discussion:

Fluoride concentrations ranged from .076 to .214 ppm and .092 to 1.053 ppm for formulas prepared with deionized and bottled water. When prepared with deionized water, none of the formulas provided a Fl intake above the suggested threshold for fluorosis. When prepared with some brands containing .623 and .893 ppm, all of them did prove to provide sufficient fluoride intake to cause fluorosis.

Conclusion:

The threshold for fluorosis is .07 mg/kg/day of Fl. Some brands of bottled water provide in excess when combined with infant formula the necessary fluoride daily intake. As health care providers we should be conscious of these dietary effects on teeth and make recommendation to parents based on this knowledge.