ABSTRACT
Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the fluoride levels in breast milk
and plasma of lactating mothers who regularly consumed drinking water with low levels
of fluoride.
Methods: One hundred twenty five healthy mothers aged between 20-30 years old who
had given birth within 5-7 days were included in the study. Besides being otherwise
healthy, the primary selection criteria stipulated the absence of fluoride supplement
consumption one month before delivery. Approximately 5 ml breast milk and 5 ml blood
samples were obtained from each participating mother at a hospital setting, where
the mothers were scheduled for a regular hospital diet. The blood samples were centrifuged
in fluoride-free heparinized polyethylene tubes and stored at -18oC until measurements
were made. Breast milk samples were directly refrigerated as with blood samples until
measurements. The fluoride concentrations of milk and blood samples were assessed
using an ion-selective fluoride electrode combined with an ion analyzer.
Results: The fluoride levels of the plasma and breast milk samples were measured as
0.017±0.011 ppm and 0.006±0.002 ppm, respectively. The fluoride concentration of plasma
was significantly higher than that of breast milk (P<.01). Correlation analysis revealed
a significant relation between the groups (P<.01).
Conclusion: A limited level of fluoride transmission from plasma to breast milk was
detected. Nevertheless, a significant correlation between the fluoride concentrations
of breast milk and plasma was evident. (Eur J Dent 2007;1:21-24)
Key words
Breast milk - Fluoride - Plasma
