Objective: To describe the prevalence of fluoride supplement use among the civilian, non-institutionalized, population of the United States for the period 1988 to 1994. Methods: This study describes first time estimates of fluoride supplement intake from a population based nationally representative sample of fluoride supplement use for individuals older than 2 months of age. Data was obtained from household questionnaires of vitamin/mineral supplement use from the third National Health And Nutrition and Examination Survey (1988-1994). Fluoride consumption was examined in relationship to age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, poverty-income ratio and recent dental visit. Chi-square tests were used to determine the statistical significance of the findings. Results: Forty percent of persons reported taking a vitamin/ mineral supplement and one percent reported taking a supplement that contained fluoride. Among all race/ ethnicity groups, Mexican Americans reported the highest percentage of fluoride supplement use. Non-Hispanic blacks were less likely to take fluoride supplements than either non-Hispanic whites or Mexican Americans. Additionally, lower income individuals were less likely to use fluoride-containing supplements than individuals in other income groups. Children whose head of household had at least a high school education were twice as likely to take fluoride supplements. Four percent of persons aged 2 months to 17 years took a supplement with fluoride in comparison to 0.04% of older individuals. Conclusions: In the US, fluoride supplements are used predominantly by children and adolescents less than 18 years of age. Age, race/ethnicity, head of household education, and family income are strongly associated with fluoride supplement use.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Food and Nutrition, Epidemiology
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.