MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Fluoride in diet

Skip navigation


Medical Encyclopedia
Other encyclopedia topics:	A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9

Fluoride in diet

Contents of this page:
Alternative names Definition Function	Food Sources Side Effects Recommendations

Alternative names

Diet - fluoride

Definition Return to top

Fluoride occurs naturally in the body as calcium fluoride, found primarily in the bones and teeth.

Function Return to top

Small amounts of fluoride help reduce tooth decay. Fluoridation of water supplies helped reduce dental caries (cavities) in children by 50-60%. Fluorides are also involved in the maintenance of bone structure. Low doses of fluoride salts can sometimes be used, under the supervision of a doctor, for the treatment of conditions that cause accelerated bone loss, such as menopause and prolonged immobility.

Food Sources Return to top

Fluoridated water and food prepared in that type of water will contain fluoride. Natural fluoride is present in the ocean as sodium fluoride, so most seafood contains some form of fluoride. Tea and gelatin also contain fluoride.

Side Effects Return to top

Fluoride deficiency may appear in the form of increased cavities and unstable bones and teeth.

When there is a high amount of fluoride in the drinking water, a problem called chronic dental fluorosis can occur. The tooth enamel becomes dull and unglazed with some pitting (mottled enamel). At very high concentrations (over 2.5 parts per million) dark brown stains appear on the teeth. Although unsightly, these teeth rarely have any cavities.

In addition, high fluoride intake (20-80 milligrams per day) over a period of many years can cause skeletal fluorosis, which causes the bones to be chalky and brittle.

Recommendations Return to top

There are no specific recommended dietary allowances for fluoride. Here are the estimated safe and adequate intake guidelines:

infants
- 0 to 6 months -- 0.1 to 0.5 milligrams
- 6 months to 1 year -- 0.2 to 1.0 milligrams
children
- 1 to 3 years -- 0.5 to 1.5 milligrams
- 4 to 6 years -- 1.0 to 2.5 milligrams
- 7 to 10 years -- 1.5 to 2.5 milligrams
adolescents (11+ years) -- 1.5 to 2.5 milligrams
adults -- 1.5 to 4.0 milligrams

Update Date: 10/17/2003

Updated by: David Webner, M.D., Sports Medicine Fellow, Crozer-Keystone Family Practice Program, Springfield, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.