Abstract
There is a tendency to align higher levels of fluoride in natural mineral water with the existing higher levels in tap water. Treatment of natural mineral waters could harm the preservation of their natural character. In this study fluoride intake through bottled and tap water consumption in the Belgian adult population was assessed, taking into account regional differences. A deterministic approach was used whereby consumption quantities of tap water and different brands of bottled water were linked with their respective fluoride concentrations. Data from the national food consumption survey (2004) were used and the Nusser methodology was applied to obtain usual intake estimates.Mean intake of fluoride through total water consumption in Flanders was 1.4±0.7 mg/day (97.5th percentile: 3.1 mg/day), while in the Walloon region it was on average 0.9±0.6 mg/day (97.5th percentile: 2.4 mg/day). The probability of exceeding the UL of 7 mg per day via a normal diet was estimated to be low. Consequently, there is no need to revise the existing norms, but higher fluoride concentrations should be more clearly indicated on the labels. Reliable data about total dietary fluoride intake in children, including intake of fluoride via tooth paste and food supplements, are needed.
Highlights
Fluorides are ubiquitous in air, water and the lithosphere, where they are seventeenth in the order of frequency of occurrence (0.06-0.09% of the Earth’s crust) [1]
Fluoride exposure through inhalation from the air, supplements, tooth paste and salt were not taken into account because of the lack of information and because these sources of exposure are assumed to be negligible in adults in Belgium
Total consumption of non-alcoholic beverages was higher in Flanders (p < 0.001), while total consumption of bottled water was higher in the Walloon region (p < 0.05)
Summary
Fluorides are ubiquitous in air, water and the lithosphere, where they are seventeenth in the order of frequency of occurrence (0.06-0.09% of the Earth’s crust) [1]. Inhalation of fluoride from the air does not contribute more than 0.01 mg/day to the total intake, except in occupational settings where intake by inhalation can be several milligrams [2]. Fluoride in the body is mainly associated with calcified tissue (bone and teeth) due to its high affinity for calcium. Absorbed fluoride is partly retained in bone and partly excreted, predominantly via the kidneys. In infants and young children, retention in bone can be as high as 75% of the absorbed amount, whereas in adults retention is usually 50% or less [3,4]. Fluoride is incorporated into dental enamel during tooth formation
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