Fluorine
Fluorine (also to referred to as
fluoride) is one of the more unusual minerals required by the human
body, as it is not as common as most vitamins and minerals in the
diet. Indeed, most people get the majority of their fluorine intake
from treated drinking water or from products that use this water.
Fluorine’s primary function in the human body is to
strengthen the bones and to help prevent tooth decay. Fluorine
strengthens the tooth enamel by strengthening the mineral
composition of the teeth themselves. Once the composition of a tooth
is strengthened by fluorine it can then ward off, or at least be
more resistant to, attack from acid accumulation in the mouth.
It is especially important to get a good source of
calcium in childhood when the formation of teeth and bones is still
taking place, thereby strengthening them for the future. Fluorine is
known to aid in strengthening developing bone structure.
Fluorine deficiency is not common in areas where it is
added to the water system, however, this practice of fluoridation
has always come with controversy. Fluorine is actually toxic in even
small quantities and there is enough fluorine in a large tube of
toothpaste to kill a small child. If you are shocked by that
statement, go and read the small print on any tube of fluoridated
toothpaste. You may also be interested in this
article . Fluorine is known to be more toxic than lead
and only slightly less toxic than arsenic. Because of its known
toxicity, fluorine powder was at one time used as a dust to kill
lice on chickens and as the main toxin in rat poisons.
Fluorine taken in large quantities over time slowly
poisons the human body. Prolonged intake of treated water that
contains more than 2 parts fluorine per million (ppm) can lead to
discoloured, mottled or brownish enamel on the teeth. Extremely high
concentrations, over 8 ppm can contribute to bone disorders, kidney,
liver and adrenal failure as well as the heart, reproductive system
and central nervous system. This is especially dangerous in young
children and the elderly.
The recommended intake among professionals is
generally thought to be no more than 2.5 milligrams daily. This dose
can be very difficult to regulate due to the unknown quantities
consumed from treated water. In the United States approximately 1mg
of fluorine is added per 1 litre of water. In areas without treated
water, fluorine is sometimes prescribed in special multi-vitamins.
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