Health and Fitness

Fluorine is an element that is most abundantly found in nature. Being highly reactive it is only found in a combined form and not in elemental gaseous form. Fluorine is very essential for our body as it maintains the proper mineralization of the bones and helps to form the enamel of our teeth. A major part of the element, about 96 per cent, is found in the bones and teeth of the human body.

Dietary sources

Drinking water is the main source of fluorine to humans. The level of fluorine in drinking water varies from 0.5 mg/L to 2 mg /L. In the fluorosis-endemic areas the level may be as high as 3 mg/L to 12 mg/L. Many foods also contain trace amount of fluorine. But a few foods like sea fish, tea, and cheese have a rich content of fluorine in them.

Dietary deficiency/ excess

Proper balance of fluorine intake is very necessary as it is like a two edged sword. Deficiency of fluorine can cause dental caries whereas, in excess of the daily recommended dose of fluorine may lead to a condition of the bones and teeth called fluorosis. However, fluoride is the most effective means that can prevent dental caries in human.

Requirement

 In the areas where water intake is more the recommended level of fluorine in water is 0.5 to 0.8 mg/L. In the temperate climates the accepted level is 1 to 2 mg/L, as the water intake is low in these areas.

Tags: dental caries, flourine deficiency, flourine excess, Fluorine, fluorosis