Fluoride Exposure in Young Children in Ethiopia
Author Information
Author(s): Malde Marian Kjellevold, Scheidegger Ruth, Julshamn Kåre, Bader Hans-Peter
Primary Institution: National Institute of Nutrition and Seafood Research, Bergen, Norway
Hypothesis
What are the pathways for fluoride intake in young children living in high-fluoride areas of Ethiopia?
Conclusion
The study found that only by completely removing fluoride from drinking and cooking water can children's fluoride intake be reduced to safe levels.
Supporting Evidence
- Fluoride concentrations in drinking water in the Ethiopian Rift Valley can exceed 1.5 mg/L.
- Children in the study had fluoride intakes of 3.1 mg/day and 15.7 mg/day in two villages.
- Prepared food must be considered when assessing total fluoride intake in high-fluoride areas.
Takeaway
Kids in Ethiopia are getting too much fluoride from their food and water, which can hurt their teeth and bones. We need to find ways to lower the fluoride in what they eat and drink.
Methodology
The study used material flow analysis (MFA) to simulate fluoride intake from various sources in children aged 2-5 years.
Limitations
The study's estimates are based on models and may not account for all sources of fluoride exposure.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 2-5 years living in two villages on the Wonji Shoa Sugar Estate.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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