Which statement about fluoride levels in breast milk is true?

• A. There are high levels of fluoride in breast milk
• B. There are moderate levels of fluoride in breast milk
• C. There are low levels of fluoride in breast milk
• D. There are no fluoride levels in breast milk

Answer: (C)

Fluoride in breast milk appears only in trace amounts. It crosses from the mother’s bloodstream into milk, but the amount that shows up is very small, so a breastfeeding infant receives only a minimal fluoride dose from milk. Because of this limited transfer, expectations of high or even moderate fluoride levels in milk aren’t accurate, and there is some fluoride present rather than none. This is why the statement describing low levels is true. In practice, additional fluoride sources—such as fluoridated drinking water or approved supplements when appropriate—are considered to ensure adequate fluoride for dental health, especially in areas with low water fluoride.