.
Also indexed as: Fluorigard®, Fluorinse®, Fluoritab®, Fluorodex®, Flura-Drops®, Flura-Tab®, Karidium®, Luride®, Pediaflor®, PreviDent®
Sodium fluoride is used to prevent dental cavities and might be effective in the treatment of osteoporosis.
Interactions with Dietary Supplements
Calcium
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.
Vitamin D
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.
Zinc
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.
Vitamin E
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.
Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds
Food
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.
Tea
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.
Summary of Interactions for Sodium Fluoride
| Depletion or interference | Zinc |
|---|---|
| Adverse interaction | None known |
| Side effect reduction/prevention | None known |
| Supportive interaction | Vitamin D Vitamin E |
| Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability | None known |
| Other (see text) | Calcium |
For the convenience of the reader, the information in the summary is categorized as follows: “Depletion or interference” indicates the drug may deplete or interfere with the absorption or function of the supplement or herb. “Adverse interaction” indicates that the supplement or herb used together with the drug may result in undesirable effects. “Side effect reduction/prevention” indicates the supplement or herb may reduce the likelihood and/or severity of a potential side effect caused by the drug. “Supportive interaction” indicates the supplement or herb may support or aid the function of the drug. “Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability” indicates that the supplement or herb may decrease the absorption and/or activity of the drug in the body. An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
References:
1. 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. Yu H, Oho T, Xu LX. Effects of several tea components on acid resistance of human tooth enamel. J Dent 1995;23:101–5.
6. Ekstrand J, Spak CJ. Fluoride pharmacokinetics: its implication in the fluoride treatment of osteoporosis. J Bone Miner Res 1990;5 Suppl 1:s53–61.
7. Ekstrand J, Ehrnebo M. Influence of milk products on fluoride bioavailability in man. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1979;16:211–5.
8. 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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The information presented in VitaminLore is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications.