Monday, November 3, 2008

Baby Formula and Fluoride


What are your feelings on adding fluoride to baby formula?

The Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) found that babies fed on formula topped up with fluoridated water exceeded the recommended daily intake of of fluoride.

Australia has a very high rate of breastfed babies, despite this though, a large number still consume baby formula st least thee times a day. A 1993 study into fluoride in baby formula found that two Australian brands had higher than average amounts of fluoride in them.

As the cases of allergies and sensitivities rise in babies more and more mothers are turning to alternative baby formula such as soy and goat's milk formula.

Some possible side affects of high than average doses of formula include:
  • Dental Fluorosis - brown, mottled stains on teeth caused by too much fluoride during formation of teeth. Read more in this issue
  • IQ - children with higher than average levels of fluoride in their systems for long period may end up with a lower IQ's (found by a Chinese study in 2000 by the Tianjin Medical University)
If breastfeeding is not an option, a low-fluoride baby formula, reconstituted with non-chlorinated water is the next best option. The NHMRC recommends that parents use rainwater or bottled water for children up to 6 years of age to limit or prevent dental fluorosis.

When children are old enough to use toothpaste, select a low or non-fluoridated paste and ensure they do not swallow any paste.

Feeding babies and children a healthy diet rich in grains, fruits, and organic vegetables, plus regular brushing, will ensure excellent dental health for life.

Andrew
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Monday, November 3, 2008

Baby Formula and Fluoride


What are your feelings on adding fluoride to baby formula?

The Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) found that babies fed on formula topped up with fluoridated water exceeded the recommended daily intake of of fluoride.

Australia has a very high rate of breastfed babies, despite this though, a large number still consume baby formula st least thee times a day. A 1993 study into fluoride in baby formula found that two Australian brands had higher than average amounts of fluoride in them.

As the cases of allergies and sensitivities rise in babies more and more mothers are turning to alternative baby formula such as soy and goat's milk formula.

Some possible side affects of high than average doses of formula include:
  • Dental Fluorosis - brown, mottled stains on teeth caused by too much fluoride during formation of teeth. Read more in this issue
  • IQ - children with higher than average levels of fluoride in their systems for long period may end up with a lower IQ's (found by a Chinese study in 2000 by the Tianjin Medical University)
If breastfeeding is not an option, a low-fluoride baby formula, reconstituted with non-chlorinated water is the next best option. The NHMRC recommends that parents use rainwater or bottled water for children up to 6 years of age to limit or prevent dental fluorosis.

When children are old enough to use toothpaste, select a low or non-fluoridated paste and ensure they do not swallow any paste.

Feeding babies and children a healthy diet rich in grains, fruits, and organic vegetables, plus regular brushing, will ensure excellent dental health for life.

Andrew
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