Dental News - Fluoride-rich baby food under fire

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Fluoride-rich baby food under fire

(DTI/Photo Marat Sirotyukov)
Daniel Zimmermann, DTI

Daniel Zimmermann, DTI

Wed. 3 November 2010

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NEW YORK/LEIPZIG, Germany: Scientists in the US have warned of the risks of exposing young children to large amounts of fluoride. In a study published in the October edition of the Journal of the American Dental Association they claim that an increased intake of the mineral from drinking water, dentifrice, infant powder products or beverages can lead to a higher risk of developing fluorosis, a condition that discolours and weakens teeth.

The findings confirm earlier evidence indicating a link between dental fluorosis and greater intake of fluoride in early life. The latest study, conducted by researchers from the University of Iowa, found that a greater fluoride intake from reconstituted powder formulas, a popular choice for infant food in the US, and other beverages with added water increased fluorosis risk in children between the ages of three and nine months. They suggested reducing the prevalence of the condition by avoiding ingestion of large quantities of fluoride through consumption of these formulas.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one-third of children between the ages of 12 to 15 years in the US suffer from some form of fluorosis.

 

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