Fluorine adequate intake

Fluorine is ubiquitous in the nature and is consequently an inevitable part of the biosphere and human life. The adequate intake (Al) of fluoride ion from all sources is set at... 

Fluorine is available to humans, plants and animals mainly in the form of fluoride ion (F ). Body fluoride status depends on numerous factors, including the total amount of fluoride ingested daily, its bioavailability and metabolism. The adequate intake (Al) of fluoride from all sources is set by the Standing Committee on the Scientific Evaluation of the Dietary Reference Intakes at 0.05 mg/day/kg body weight this intake is recommended for all ages above 6 months, because it confers a high level of protection against dental caries and is not associated with any known unwanted health effects [8]. 

Certain minerals, including calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and fluorine, are components of bone and teeth. Deficiencies during the growing years cause growth to be stunted and bone tissue to be of poor quality. A continual adequate intake of minerals is essential for the maintenance of skeletal tissue in adulthood. 

RECOMMENDED DAILY ALLOWANCES OF FLUORINE. Estimated safe and adequate intakes of fluoride are given in the section on MINERAL(S), Table M-25, Mineral Table. 

A good average diet should supply these without difficulty but some mineral constituents are inefficiently absorbed. The minerals which are nutritionally of most importance because their intake may be less than the requirements are calcium, iron, iodine and fluorine. However, defective absorption, resulting from general malnutrition or a variety of other causes, may be responsible for secondary deficiences of substances present in the diet in adequate amounts. 

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