Concept about Fluorine | CHAPTER 1 | Nutrition and Dietetics

Concept about Fluorine – This book covers the entire syllabus of “Nutrition and Dietetics” prescribed by BNMC-for all Diploma in Nursing Science and Midwifery students. We tried to accommodate latest information and topics. This book is examination friendly setup according to the teachers’ lectures and examination’s questions. At the end of the book previous university questions are given. We hope in touch with the book students’ knowledge will be upgraded and flourished. The unique way of presentation may make your reading of the book a pleasurable experience.

Concept about Fluorine

Fluorine (F):

Fluorine is a trace element not found in Free State. It is available in fluoride form. About 96 percent of the fluoride in the body is found in bones and teeth. Fluoride is essential for the normal mineralization of bones and formation of dental enamel. Deficiency of fluorine in drinking water causes dental carries. Fluorides are involved with the maintenance of bone structure.

The fluoride salts of calcium are less readily lost from bone during immobilization or following the menopause. Fluorides are absorbed from gastrointestinal tract. Fluoride ingested is excreted in the urine.

Sources of fluorine:

1. Drinking water: The main source of fluoride to man is drinking water. The fluoride content of drinking water in our country is about 0.5 mg/litre, but in fluorosis-endemic areas, the natural waters have been found to contain as much as 3 to 12 mg of fluorides per litre. The average adult man ingests about I mg of fluoride daily from drinking water.

2. Foods source: Sea fish, cheese, tea etc. The daily diet may provide 0.25 to 0.35 mg fluoride.

(Ref: T. K. Indrani/1/67)

Functions of fluorine:

1. Essential for normal mineralization of bones.

2. Essential for formation of dental enamel.

3. Fluoride is required for the formation of caries resistant teeth

Effects of fluorine deficiency or excess:

1. Dental fluorosis (effects of excess fluorine)

2. Skeletal fluorosis (effects of excess fluorine)

3. Dental caries-due to deficiency of fluorine.

4. Yellow-brown stain occurs on the teeth.

Daily requirement of fluorine:

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