RESUMO
Given that increasing numbers of people are consuming beverages instead of water, fluoride (F) intake should not be determined solely upon the concentration of the drinking water, but should also consider the amount of different beverages consumed and their fluoride content. The aim of this study was to evaluate the fluoride content of (A) 12 infusion black tea (Camellia sinensis); (B) 15 ready-to-drink teas; (C) 10 powdered juices; (D) 3 powdered tea-containing juices; and (E) 4 ready-to-drink juices found in Brazil. Samples of A were prepared by infusion of a bag in 80mL of boiling deionized water, for 3 minutes. Powdered juices were prepared with deionized water, following the manufacturer's instructions. F analysis was made in triplicate using the ion-specific electrode (Orion 96-09). The mean F concentration ± SD (amplitude; unit mg/mL) were 2.57±0.99 (1.07-3.99); 0.37±0.20 (0.08-0.81); 0.02±0.05 (0-0.03); 1.10±0.15 (0.99-1.22); 0.30±0.18 (0.12-0.52), for A, B, C, D and E, respectively. All the A, 2 of the B and all of the D samples showed a F concentration higher than 0.7 mg/mL. Regarding the juices, only the D could significantly contribute to the daily maximum recommended F intake (0.07 mg/Kg body weight). However, if the other juices were reconstituted with fluoridated water they could also contribute. It was concluded that some products analyzed may be important contributors to the total daily F intake. Their consumption by children at the age of risk to dental fluorosis should be avoided. The [F] in these products should be informed on their labels