Sustainable Fluoride Determination in Selected Infant Juices Available on the Serbian Market: Health Risk Assessment.

Abstract

Increased exposure to fluoride in food and beverages become a global concern in the last few decades. Infant juices and food, besides breast milk, are the main sources of fluoride intake throughout infancy. Monitoring fluoride levels in such formulations is crucial to ensure the youngest consumers’ safety and optimal health. This study aimed to determine the fluoride of selected infant juices from four different producers available on the Serbian market, using fluoride ion-selective electrode. The fluoride content varies between 0.0845 and 0.2810 mg/L, which is below acceptable level (0.7 mg/L). The health risk assessment for children 6 to 48 months of age associated with fluoride in infant juices was evaluated as a non-carcinogenic risk based on estimated daily intake according to USEPA guidelines, including the HQ index. All calculated HQs are less than 1, suggesting no adverse effect after exposure to the fluorides via investigated juices. Since children, especially infants, are highly vulnerable to the harmful effects of fluoride, it is essential to monitor all sources that could be critical in fluorosis development. It is important to highlight fluoride as a toxic element and enforce stricter controls on infant feeding, emphasizing the urgency and importance of this matter.