Nutrition and Information Guide: Minerals Fluorine

About the mineral fluorine, nutritional information guide, uses, effects of deficiency or overdose, good sources of fluorine.

Fluorine

Use in the Body: Necessary for strong teeth and bones. It discourages tooth decay by reducing the growth of acid-forming bacteria and strengthens bones by assisting the deposition of calcium.

Deficiency May Lead to: Decayed teeth and softened bones, which are common in the U.S.

Overdose Mary Lead to: Mottling (discoloration and brittleness of young teeth), arthritis and muscular stiffness, and allergies.

Notes: An essential trace element, fluorine is concentrated in the bones and teeth in the form of compounds called fluorides. Though the body needs only a small amount of fluorine, a widespread deficiency exists in this country. The villain is the proliferation of processed carbohydrates--white sugar, white flour, and processed cereals--from which most minerals, including fluorine, are extracted.

Best Sources: Tea and seafood are the best sources, followed by fluorinated drinking water and fluoride toothpastes. Vegetables contain small amounts depending upon the water used in their cultivation.