| Proper name |
Fluoride |
| Category |
Mineral |
| Functions |
Fluoride replaces the hydroxyl portion of hydroxyappatite in bone, making
the bone and dental enamel less porous to water and more resistant to decay. |
| RDA |
None. The maximum acceptable limit in a municipal water supply is 4 parts
per million. |
| Therapeutic
dose |
Not recommended |
| Deficiency symptoms |
Increased incidence of dental caries. |
| Toxicity |
Mottling and discoloration of the teeth (Fluorosis) is the most common symptom
of excessive fluoride ingestion. This occurs in as much as 33% of children
exposed to between 2.4 and 4.1 parts per million of fluoride in municipal
water supplies. Higher rates of osteoporosis and cancer are associated to
fluoridation of municipal water supplies. Immune disorders, arthritis, gastric
ulcers, atherosclerosis, kidney disease and migraine headaches may also
be caused or exacerbated by fluoride. |
| Best
forms
|
Fluoridated toothpaste for children at risk of dental caries. |
| Food
sources |
Fluoride
occurs in a wide variety of plants and animals raised in areas where soil
levels of fluoride are adequate. High levels may be found in fish, fish
products and tea. |
| Lab
tests |
Hair trace mineral analysis. |
| Drug
interactions |
None noted. |
| Nutrient interactions |
None noted |
| Metabolism |
Fluoride replaces
the hydroxyl portion of hydroxyappatite in bone, making the bone and dental
enamel less porous to water and more resistant to decay.
|
