Fluorine: Away with Caries!
Fluorine (F)
Away with Caries!
In the human body fluorine stimulates immune protection and hematopoiesis, increases the resistance of teeth to caries, participates in skeletal growth, and prevents osteoporosis.
The daily requirement for the human body is from 3 to 5 mg. Safe and adequate consumption of fluorine in adults is from 1.5 to 4 mg.
65% of fluorine enters the body through water, and the absorption of fluorine from water occurs much better than from food products.
The content of fluorine in the body of an adult is about 2.6 g. When introduced into the body, fluorine is rapidly absorbed in the intestine (similarly to chlorides). In the body, fluorine is found in a bound state, usually in the form of poorly soluble salts with calcium, magnesium, and iron. Fluorine compounds are present in all tissues of the human body. The majority of fluorine, 99% of its total amount, is found in bones and dental enamel. Fluorine is primarily excreted from the body through urine.
Biological role in the human body. Fluorine is an extremely important trace element for humans, as it is vital for normal growth and development.
Fluorine participates in the formation of bone tissue and in the formation of enamel and dentin of dental tissue. It has a pronounced anti-caries effect, which is explained by the replacement of the hydroxyl group of hydroxyapatite in enamel with fluorine.
Some authors provide data that fluorine also suppresses acid-forming bacteria.
In addition, fluorine in the body stimulates the hematopoietic system and immunity, stimulates reparative processes in bone fractures, and prevents the development of senile osteoporosis.
Some authors provide data that fluorine also suppresses acid-forming bacteria.
In addition, fluorine in the body stimulates the hematopoietic system and immunity, stimulates reparative processes in bone fractures, and prevents the development of senile osteoporosis.
In the body, fluorine participates in many important biochemical reactions – it activates adenylate cyclase, inhibits lipases, esterases, lactate dehydrogenases, and others.
Synergists and antagonists of fluorine. The absorption of fluorine in the gastrointestinal tract depends on the solubility of its salts and the concentration of calcium.
Fluorine inhibits the metabolism of iodine and can induce goiter.
Magnesium slows down the absorption of fluorine by the body.
Synergists and antagonists of fluorine. The absorption of fluorine in the gastrointestinal tract depends on the solubility of its salts and the concentration of calcium.
Fluorine inhibits the metabolism of iodine and can induce goiter.
Magnesium slows down the absorption of fluorine by the body.
Signs of fluorine deficiency: dental caries, osteoporosis.
With excessive intake of fluorine into the body, a disease known as fluorosis develops. The disease occurs when the concentration of fluorine in water exceeds 1 mg/L. It manifests as darkening of dental enamel and mottling of dental enamel.
In areas where the fluorine content in water is less than 0.5 mg/L, fluoridation is carried out; in case of excess fluorine, defluoridation of drinking water is necessary.
In areas where the fluorine content in water is less than 0.5 mg/L, fluoridation is carried out; in case of excess fluorine, defluoridation of drinking water is necessary.
There are studies that claim that fluorine increases the risk of osteosarcoma. This data has raised questions among scientists about the feasibility of water fluoridation.
Main manifestations of excess fluorine: the appearance of mottled spots on teeth, destruction of dental enamel, brittleness of teeth, osteosclerosis (fluorosis), osteomalacia, osteoporosis, calcinosis of tendons and ligaments, formation of bone spurs; hemorrhages in the area of gums, mucous membranes of the mouth and nose, loss of voice, dry choking cough; bradycardia, decreased blood pressure; itching, irritation, and peeling of the epidermis, disturbances in fat and carbohydrate metabolism.
Fluorine is necessary: in dental caries, osteoporosis.
Dietary sources of fluorine: a significant amount of fluorine is found in fish (highest levels in mackerel, cod, and catfish – up to 5–10 µg/g), lamb, veal, liver, and certain nuts (walnuts). High concentrations of fluorine are also characteristic of eggs, milk, and spinach.
Particularly rich in fluorine is tea, with a fluorine content of 75–100 mg% (during brewing, 2/3 of the total amount leaches into the solution).
Ordinary drinking water contains 1 mg of fluorine per liter.
Particularly rich in fluorine is tea, with a fluorine content of 75–100 mg% (during brewing, 2/3 of the total amount leaches into the solution).
Ordinary drinking water contains 1 mg of fluorine per liter.