Fluoride Deficiencies

Fluoride deficiency symptoms are still being researched. Studies with rats have shown stunted growth, infertility and anemia from a lack of fluoride but this has not been proven to be true of humans. However, a sufficient intake of fluoride helps prevent dental caries and maintians skeletal tissue.

Gropper, S. et al (2009). Advanced nutrition and human metabolism. Belmont: Wadsworth

Fluoride--What it is.

Fluoride is compound containing fluorine and another element. Fluorine is a very reactive (non-stabile) element. Fluorine combines readily with nearly all the other elements. This is due to it having only seven electrons in its outer shell. The element fluorine is represented by the symbol “F”. It has an atomic weight of 18.9 and an atomic number of 9. Fluoride is an anion of fluorine (F-) and most compounds that contain F- are called fluorides.

Diagram Group, Chemistry handbook, Revised edition, Facts on File, New York, 2006

Duties

Daren will be covering the chemical structure/formula of fluoride, information about its metabolic functions, dietary requirements and dietary sources of fluoride.

Melissa will be covering information about diseases or disorders associated with fluoride. She will also post a short test to check understanding of the blog's information.

What is Fluoride?

Fluoride is an element from the halogen group, as are iodide and chloride. It is commonly added to the water supply as hydrofluosilicic acid, silicofluoride or sodium fluoride. Fluoride is also found as an additive in toothpastes and some mouthwashes, as a tooth decay preventive ingredient.

Definition from: Hidden Danger in Your Drinking Water and Toothpaste Fluoride and Fluoridated Water's Link to Thyroid Disease By Mary Shomon, About.com Guide Updated: December 13, 2003