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UW Health Services
•Nutrition
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•Dental cavities

Fluoride in diet

Definition

Fluoride occurs naturally in the body as calcium fluoride. Calcium fluoride is mostly found in the bones and teeth.

Alternative Names

Diet - fluoride

Function

Small amounts of fluoride help reduce tooth decay. Fluoridation of tap water helps reduce cavities in children by 50 - 60%. Fluorides also help maintain bone structure. Low doses of fluoride salts may be used to treat conditions that cause faster-than-normal bone loss, such as menopause.

Food Sources

Fluoridated water, and food prepared in fluoridated water, contains fluoride. Natural sodium fluoride is in the ocean, so most seafood contains fluoride. Tea and gelatin also contain fluoride.

Side Effects

Fluoride deficiency may appear in the form of increased cavities, and weak bones and teeth. Fluoride supplementation is necessary to prevent cavities, especially in children, if tap water is not fluoridated. As an example, well water is not fluoridated.

Excess fluoride in the diet is extremely rare.

Recommendations

The Food and Nutrition Center of the Institute of Medicine has established the following recommended dietary intakes for fluoride:

Infants

  • 0 - 6 months: 0.1 milligrams/day (mg/day)
  • 7 -12 months: 0.5 mg/day

Children and Adolescents

  • 1 - 3 years: 0.7 mg/day
  • 4 - 8 years: 1 mg/day
  • 9 - 13 years: 2 mg/day
  • 14 - 18 years: 3 mg/day

Adults

  • Males 19 and older: 4 mg/day
  • Females 19 and older: 3 mg/day
  • Pregnant and lactating (milk-producing) women: 3 mg/day

References

Yates AA, Schlicker SA, Suitor CW. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences. Dietary Reference Intakes: the new basis for recommendations for calcium and related nutrients, B vitamins, and choline. J Am Diet Assoc. 1998 Jun;98(6):699-706

Review Date: 3/2/2007
Reviewed By: William McGee, M.D., M.H.A., Assistant Professor of Medicine and Surgery, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, and Chairman, Nutrition Committee, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA. and Alice O'Connor, MS, RD, LDN, CNSD, Clinical Dietitian, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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