Parents Reminded to Monitor Infants' Fluoride Consumption
Recent studies(1) have raised the possibility that infants could receive higher than optimal amounts of fluoride through liquid concentrate or powdered baby formula that has been mixed with tap water, and thus become more susceptible to enamel fluorosis. While more research is needed before definitive recommendations can be made on fluoride intake by bottle-fed infants, the American Dental Association (ADA) has issued this interim guidance for parents and other caregivers who are understandably cautious about what is best for their children.
Infant Formula
-- Breast milk is widely acknowledged as the most complete form of nutrition for infants. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends human milk for all infants (except for the few for whom breastfeeding is determined to be harmful).
-- For infants who get most of their nutrition from formula during the first 12 months, ready-to-feed formula is preferred to help ensure that infants do not exceed the optimal amount of fluoride intake.
-- If liquid concentrate or powdered infant formula is the primary source of nutrition, it can be mixed with water that is fluoride free, or contains low levels of fluoride to reduce the risk of fluorosis. Examples are water that is labeled purified, demineralized, deionized, distilled or reverse osmosis filtered water. Many grocery stores sell these types of drinking water for less than $1 per gallon.
-- The occasional use of water containing optimal levels of fluoride should not appreciably increase a child's risk for fluorosis.
I wonder if our PCTs and SHAs in the UK are aware of this - do they know it in Birmingham and other places in the UK that are fluoridated?
Infant Formula
-- Breast milk is widely acknowledged as the most complete form of nutrition for infants. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends human milk for all infants (except for the few for whom breastfeeding is determined to be harmful).
-- For infants who get most of their nutrition from formula during the first 12 months, ready-to-feed formula is preferred to help ensure that infants do not exceed the optimal amount of fluoride intake.
-- If liquid concentrate or powdered infant formula is the primary source of nutrition, it can be mixed with water that is fluoride free, or contains low levels of fluoride to reduce the risk of fluorosis. Examples are water that is labeled purified, demineralized, deionized, distilled or reverse osmosis filtered water. Many grocery stores sell these types of drinking water for less than $1 per gallon.
-- The occasional use of water containing optimal levels of fluoride should not appreciably increase a child's risk for fluorosis.
I wonder if our PCTs and SHAs in the UK are aware of this - do they know it in Birmingham and other places in the UK that are fluoridated?
posted by Bill at
10:11 AM
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