Evaluation of Fluoride intake in children according to World Health Organization and European Union Guidelines
Year 2022, Issue: 33, 354 - 362, 31.01.2022
Sabiha Zeynep Aydenk KÖSEOĞLU
https://doi.org/10.31590/ejosat.1051641
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this review is to address the integrated assessment of fluoride exposure and “tolerable daily intake” in children, including bottle-fed infants, according to World Health Organization (WHO) and European Union (EU) guidelines.
All people have the right to access safe drinking water for human consumption, and it is the responsibility of governments to regulate the supply and distribution of drinking water necessary to sustain life, in accordance with international health regulations and human rights. National drinking water standards should be based on varying environmental, socio-cultural, socio-economic, dietary and other factors affecting potential exposure. Total daily fluoride intake may vary depending on different sources of exposure, such as fluoride concentration in air, drinking water and amount consumed, levels in food and beverages, and use of dental preparations. The effect of fluoride is estimated based on factors such as duration of exposure and age, i.e. mg daily dose per kg of body weight. Bottle-fed infants are considered a high exposure group based on body weight. Therefore, the risk should be evaluated separately for each life stage, especially for children under 3 years of age, babies partially fed with breast milk and formula, and definitely for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.
Conclusion: In this article, the "Guide Value" and "Tolerable Daily Intake" will be explained, which do not pose a significant health risk for children when consumed throughout life. Additionally, this review will shed light on public health, especially child health, in assessing fluoride intake and may improve national drinking water quality based on ongoing fluoridation and derogation to eliminate high values.
Keywords: Child health, baby food, fluoride exposure, tolerable daily intake