| Fluoride | |||||
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Fluoride is one of the trace minerals, so only a very small amount is required to maintain health. Fluroride plays a very important part in ensuring teeth and bones are healthy.
Fluoride plays a role in the maintenance and regulation (activation and deactivation) of several important enzyme systems in the body.
- Foods cooked in fluoridated water will provide more of this nutrient in the diet
- Not all water systems in all countries are fluoridated
Fluorides's important role in preventing tooth decay has meant that many countries have decided to fluoridate their water supplies. But not all states / cities in these countries have fluoridated their water, although most have.
There is some controversy with fluoridating water supplies, as some experts suggest it is the main reason that there are more cases of fluorisis (affects the teeth by giving them a mottled appearance) in children and young adults.
references
- McGuire M, Beerman KA, Nutritional Sciences: From Fundamentals to Food, 2007 Thomson Wadsworth USA
- Rolfes SR, Pinna K, Whitney E, Understanding Normal and Clinical Nutrition 7th Edition, 2006 Thomson Wadsworth USA
- Tortora GJ, Derrickson BH. Principles of Anatomy & Physiology. 11th edition, 2005. Wiley Publishing
To learn more, go to the following web sites:
- Food Standards Australia and New Zealand
- Dieticians Association of Australia
- Nutrient Reference Values (Australia)
