What is the recommended supplemental intake of fluoride for a 5-year-old child living in a non-fluoridated area?

For a 5-year-old child living in a non-fluoridated area, the recommended supplemental intake of fluoride is 0.50 mg per day. This is aligned with guidelines aimed at helping to prevent dental caries in children who do not have access to sufficient fluoride through their water supply or other sources.

Fluoride plays a critical role in dental health by strengthening tooth enamel and making it more resistant to decay. In non-fluoridated areas, children may not receive the protection that fluoride provides, thus supplementation becomes necessary to ensure adequate fluoride levels for optimal dental health.

The lower dosages provided in some other options may not offer enough fluoride to be effective in preventing tooth decay in children of this age group, as per established guidelines. Therefore, 0.50 mg is considered to strike a balance between sufficient fluoride exposure for caries prevention while reducing the risk of fluorosis, which can occur with excessively high fluoride intake.