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FLUORIDE |
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| Facts |
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In 1972, fluoride was recognised
as an essential mineral, most notably because
of its role in reducing the incidence of dental
caries.
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Fluoride is best known for its
role as a catalyst for the mineralisation of developing
tooth enamel prior to emergence and for its remineralisation
of surface enamel.
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The average human male's bones
contain 2.6 grams of fluoride.
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According to Prescription for
Nutritional Healing, more than half of the cities
in the U.S. fluoridate their water supply.1
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| Functions |
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The primary function of fluoride
is that it strengthens tooth enamel. Ingestion
of fluoride decreases the incidence of dental
caries or tooth decay.1
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Fluorine also increases the deposition
of calcium, which strengthens bones.2
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Requirements
No Recommended Daily Allowance has been established
for fluoride.
Signs of Deficiency
A high incidence of dental caries are present in areas
of the U.S. where the water is not fluoridated and /or
fluoride consumption is low.3
Signs of Toxicity
An excess of fluoride (2 to 8 ppm) can result
in dental fluorosis, which is characterised by dull,
mottled or pitted teeth.2 Fluorosis of the bones occurs
in 8 ppm and can cause arthritic-like symptoms.2 Chronic
toxicity occurs at intakes between 20 mg to 80 mg or
for extended periods of time. Groups at risk for fluorosis
include: formula-fed infants, heavy exercisers, individuals
who consume high quantities of water-based beverages,
people with malfunctioning kidneys and the elderly.
Persons with cardiovascular problems are also at risk
for fluoride toxicity. In addition, "people with
renal insufficiency would have impaired renal clearance
of fluoride. People with diabetes mellitus and heart
insufficiency have also been found to have impaired
renal clearance of fluoride."4
Note
The issue of fluoridation of community water supplies
is controversial. Supporters of fluoridation assert
that fluoride reduces the incidence of dental caries
and osteoporosis in the population. Opponents point
out that harmful levels of fluoride can accumulate in
the body leading to fluoride toxicity. A report issued
by the U.S. Department of Health, Agency for Toxic Substances
and Disease Registry, Division of Toxicology reported
in 1991 that certain population groups including the
elderly, people with magnesium deficiency and persons
with cardiovascular and kidney problems "may be
unusually susceptible to the toxic effects of fluoride
and its compounds."4
Fluoride is contained in ConcenTrace® , however,
it is a naturally- occuring form of fluoride, and second,
both in-house and independent lab test results show
the amount of fluoride in ConcenTrace® to be in
very minute, trace amounts. However, it is important
to point out that magnesium plays a significant role
in its interaction with fluoride in the body. Magnesium
is the activator of more than 300 enzymes while fluorine
is known as their inhibitor, although some enzymes'
activity is increased by the presence of fluorine.5
In plants, supplementation of magnesium protects against
the toxic effects of fluoride.5 One researcher concludes
that "in intoxication with fluorine compounds,
magnesium plays a protective role by countering and
reducing the toxic effects of F-."5
Current Research
Bones
The research
of fluoride in preventing osteoporosis is mixed. Some
studies show a protective effect while other studies
report that high intakes of fluoride increase the risk
of hairline bone fractures.6,7 In addition, according
to the American Society for Nutritional Sciences' Web
site, "under controlled experimental conditions,
slow release administration of fluoride (23 mg/day)
plus calcium has been shown to stimulate new bone formation
in some individuals."3 Tooth decay: In an animal
study, the administration of both fluoride and magnesium
jointly influenced enamel hardening and significantly
reduced the incidence of dental caries.5
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1 Balch, J.F. and P.A. Prescription for
Nutritional Healing. Avery Publishing, 1997.pp.31-32.
2 Dunne, L.J. Nutrition Almanac, 3rd ed. McGraw-Hill Publishing
Company, 1990:72-73.
3 Cerklewski F.L., Fluoride.
http://www.nutrition.org/nutinfo/content/fluo.shtml.
4 "Toxicological Profile for Fluorides, Hydrogen
Fluoride, and Fluorine," U.S. Department of Health,
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Division
of Toxicology, December 16, 1992.
(Http://www.execpc.com/~magnesum/fluoride.html)
5 Machoy-Mokrzynska A., Fluoride-Magnesium interaction.
Fluoride (J Int Soc for Fluoride Res), Vol. 28; No. 4;
November, 1995, 175-177. (Http://www.execpc.com/~magnesium/fl2.html)
6 Dambacher M., Ittner J., Ruegsegger P. Long-term fluoride
therapy of post-menopausal osteoporosis. Bone 1986;
7: 199-205. 7 Sowers M., Wallace R., Lemke J. The relationship
of bone mass and fracture history to fluoride and calcium
intake: A study of three communities. Am J Clin N1986;
44: 889-898. |
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