Estimation of fluoride levels in indigenous Ayurvedic preparations prescribed for infants, toddlers, and preschool children in Kerala, India

Background: Optimal feeding of children with adequate nutrients is regarded as the most effective method for proper growth and development, which occurs rapidly during the first few years of life. In this regard, Ayurvedic nutritional supplements and herbal medicines are given in infancy and early childhood. This age group is of utmost importance in dentistry. Plants and herbal derivatives are rich sources of fluoride. Hence, monitoring of ingested fluoride levels during this stage is of utmost importance to optimize its intake and avoid toxicity. The study assessed and compared the fluoride concentration in preparations of indigenous Ayurvedic prescribed for infants, toddlers, and preschool children in Kerala, India. Methods: In this laboratory study, three samples each of nine indigenous Ayurvedic preparations of solid, semi-solid, and liquid forms were used. Fluoride level was measured by high range fluoride colorimeter—Checker HC—Hanna Instruments, based on sodium 2-(parasulphophenylazo)-1,8- dihydroxy-3,6-naphthalene disulphonate (SPADNS) method, and recorded in parts per million (ppm). Results: Among powder forms, the highest fluoride concentration was observed for Gopichandanadi (2.40 ± 2.02 ppm). Among semi-solid and liquid forms, the highest concentration was found in Chyavanaprasha (1.30 ± 1.73 ppm) and Indukantham syrup (9.8 ± 0.10 ppm), respectively. The highest mean fluoride concentration was obtained from liquid forms, followed by solid forms, and the lowest one was present in semi-solid forms. Conclusion: Although the concentration of fluoride varied across the various forms of preparation, none of them exceeded the safely tolerated dose (STD) of 8-16 mg/kg.