fluorine. Role of fluorine and fluorine effects

fluorine. Important trace mineral often confused with the poison fluoride.

fluorine is a trace element that is found in a great variety of foods, in VERY small amounts. This type of organic fluorine should not be confused with the ionic form fluoride, which is a poison and is considered separately.

The organic form of fluorine is closely involved with calcium and molybdenum in the formation of calcium fluorapatite, which contributes to healthy teeth and bones. this form of fluorine is present in tiny amounts in most foods, but is particularly abundant in seafoods, kelp and tea.

Unfortunately, this use of organic fluorine has led the the acceptance of the use of fluoride in water and toothpastes. fluoride is a poison that does not contribute to bone and tooth health and causes flurosis (fluoride poisoning) in even very small doses (mc uh smaller than is present in many waters and toothpastes). See fluoride for details.

Functions of fluorine in the body

Part of calcium fluorapatite (teeth and bones)
May help prevent heart disease
May help prevent / treat osteoporosis (but NOT as fluoride)

fluorine deficiency

fluorine deficiency is highly unlikely and it is much more likely that flurosis (fluoride poisoning) is a major problem. Organic fluorine is normally bound to proteins and is poorly absorbed by the body.

fluoride, on the other hand, is completely and rapidly absorbed through the stomach, quickly reaching toxic levels.

Symptoms of fluorine deficiency

Highly unlikely

Association with other minerals and vitamins

Forms calcium fluoropatite (tooth and bone structure) with calcium, aided by molybdenum

Normal amounts of fluorine in the diet

There is no safe daily dose of fluoride. Organic fluorine, due to its presence in soil, water, plants and animals is required as a trace element, but supplementation is not necessary.

Sources of dietary fluorine

Mussels and other shellfish
Kelp
Tea

fluorine supplements

Not necessary

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