Assessment of Fluoride and pH Levels in a Range of Ready-to-Drink Children’s Beverages Marketed in Malaysia

Aira Syazleen Ahmad,Zamros Yuzadi Mohd Yusof,Nor Azlida Mohd Nor,Nadia Afiqah Ahmad,Ivor G Chestnutt

doi:10.21315/aos2021.16.2.8

Aira Syazleen Ahmad, Zamros Yuzadi Mohd Yusof + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.21315/aos2021.16.2.8

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Abstract

This study aimed to determine the fluoride and pH levels of beverages likely to be consumed by children in Malaysia and to estimate daily fluoride intake from consumption of these beverages. A convenience sampling of 120 ready-to-drink beverages were purchased and categorised into 11 groups (UHT recombined milk, fresh milk [pasteurised], cultured milk [probiotic], yogurt beverages, fresh fruit juices, fruit flavoured beverages, soy-based beverages, malt-based beverages, tea, carbonated beverages and bottled waters). Fluoride concentration was measured using a fluoride ion-selective electrode while the pH level was measured using a pH meter. The fluoride concentration in the beverages ranged from 0.02±0.00 mg/L to 2.77±0.06 mg/L. Tea was found to have the highest fluoride concentration. The intake of fluoride from consumption of other types of beverages is below the lowest-observed-adverseeffect level (except tea). The pH of the beverages included in the study ranged from 2.20±0.01 to 7.76±0.00. Carbonated beverages (mean pH: 2.98±0.50) were found to be extremely acidic followed by fresh fruit juices (mean pH: 3.38±0.34) and fruit flavoured beverages (mean pH: 3.90±0.92). The correlation between fluoride and pH levels was weak, τ = 0.058 and not statistically significant (p

Highlights

The intake of beverages can influence a child’s quality of diet in a positive or negative manner depending on the types and amount of beverages consumed
As far as dental health is concerned, high consumption of sugary drinks can lead to dental caries and high consumption of acidic drinks can lead to dental erosion (Chowdhury et al, 2019)
The findings showed that there was a wide range of variations in the fluoride and pH levels in children’s beverages sold in the Malaysian market

Summary

Introduction

The intake of beverages can influence a child’s quality of diet in a positive or negative manner depending on the types and amount of beverages consumed. Beverages with fluoride levels between 0.5 mg/L to 1.5 mg/L could contribute to the “halo effect” of water fluoridation. This can happen when beverages manufactured in fluoridated areas are transported and consumed by populations in non-fluoridated areas (Victory et al, 2017). Excessive ingestion of fluoride during tooth development in early childhood can lead to a defect in the enamel structure development known as dental fluorosis. This is represented by the appearance of white or brown lines, spots, or flecks on the surfaces of the teeth with weaker enamel structure in severe cases (Browne et al, 2005)

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