Fluorigard
side effects, nutrient depletions, herbal interactions and health notes:
Data provided by Applied Health
• Research shows that calcium from leg bones may be transferred to bones in the spine causing stress fractures when fluoride is taken alone. However, supplementing with 1,500 mg of calcium each day together with slow-release forms of fluoride increases the bone density of the lumbar spine without causing fractures.1 Therefore, people taking sodium fluoride to treat osteoporosis should probably supplement with calcium to prevent this adverse effect. However, taking fluoride and calcium at the same time significantly reduces the absorption of fluoride;2 consequently, they should be taken at least an hour apart.1
• Collagen is a protein that is used in many areas of the body for structural support. One test tube study showed that the active form of vitamin D, 1,25 dihydroxycholecalciferol, increased the production of a certain type of collagen when it was combined with fluoride.3 Controlled research is needed to determine whether taking 1,25 dihydroxycholecalciferol with sodium fluoride might promote beneficial collagen growth.2
• Individuals who are bedridden for long periods may become deficient in zinc, which can affect the strength of bone that is formed. In a controlled study of healthy adults who were confined to bed, fluoride supplementation prevented zinc loss from the body.4 Bedridden individuals should consult a qualified healthcare practitioner for guidance in using fluoride to prevent zinc deficiency.3
• Vitamin E increases the resistance of tooth enamel to acids that cause cavities, and test tube studies show that fluoride, when added to vitamin E, enhances this effect.5 Controlled research is needed to determine whether people might develop fewer cavities when taking vitamin E and fluoride together.4
• Taking sodium fluoride with food6 or dairy products7 reduces the absorption of the mineral. Therefore, sodium fluoride should be taken an hour before or two hours after a meal, or any snack containing milk, ice cream, yogurt, or cheese.5
• Many compounds in tea, such as tannin, catechin, and caffeine, can increase the resistance of tooth enamel to acids that cause cavities, and test tube studies show that fluoride, when added to these compounds, enhances this effect.8 Controlled research is needed to determine whether drinking tea might further reduce the number of cavities in people taking fluoride.6
References1 Deal CL. Osteoporosis: prevention, diagnosis, and management. Am J Med 1997;102:35s–9s.
2 Ekstrand J, Spak CJ. Fluoride pharmacokinetics: its implication in the fluoride treatment of osteoporosis. J Bone Miner Res 1990;5 Suppl 1:s53–61.
3 Kassem M, Mosekilde L, Eriksen EF. 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3 potentiates fluoride-stimulated collagen Type I production in cultures of human bone marrow stromal osteoblast-like cells. J Bone Miner Res 1993;8:1453–8.
4 Krebs JM, Schneider VS, LeBlanc AD. Zinc, copper and nitrogen balance during bed rest and fluoride supplementation in healthy adult males. Am J Clin Nutr 1998;47:509–14.
5 Ekstrand J, Spak CJ. Fluoride pharmacokinetics: its implication in the fluoride treatment of osteoporosis. J Bone Miner Res 1990;5 Suppl 1:s53–61.
5 Ekstrand J, Ehrnebo M. Influence of milk products on fluoride bioavailability in man. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1979;16:211–5.
6 Yu H, Oho T, Xu LX. Effects of several tea components on acid resistance of human tooth enamel. J Dent 1995;23:101–5.
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Disclaimers
The information in Drug Watch is provided as a courtesy to NewsTarget readers by Applied Health Solutions in cooperation with Healthway Solutions. Although the information is presented with scientific references, we do not wish to imply that this represents a comprehensive list of considerations about any specific drug, herb or nutrient. Nor should this information be considered a substitute for the advice of your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare practitioner. Please read the disclaimer about the intentions and limitations of the information provided on these pages. It is important to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all other drugs and nutritional supplements that you are taking if they are recommending a new medication. Copyright © 2007 by Applied Health Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.
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