Fluoride

Fluoride is a trace mineral that your body uses in small amounts, mostly for strong bones and teeth. Fluoridated water is credited with reducing the number of cavities in the teeth of children by 50 to 60 percent. Fluoride also can stimulate bone growth.

Daily Requirements

1 to 3 years: 0.7 milligrams per day
4 to 8 years: 1.0 milligrams per day
9 to 13 years: 2.0 milligrams per day
14 to 18 years: 3.0 milligrams per day
19+ years: 4.0 milligrams per day

Females

1 to 3 years: 0.7 milligrams per day
4 to 8 years: 1.0 milligrams per day
9 to 13 years: 2.0 milligrams per day
14+ years: 3.0 milligrams per day

A deficiency may result in an increased risk of dental cavities and weaker bones.

Dietary fluoride is found in fluoridated water, many brands of toothpaste and foods prepared with fluoridated water. It also occurs naturally in seafood and tea. The levels of flouridation in drinking water can vary, and some people may need supplementation if levels are low.

_Sources:

_{Fluoride In Diet. Medline Plus. Accessed November 17, 2009. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002420.htm.}

_{Dietary Reference Intakes - Elements. Food and Nutrition Board. Institute of Medicine. Accessed November 17, 2009. http://www.iom.edu/Global/News%20Announcements/~/media/48FAAA2FD9E74D95BBDA2236E7387B49.ashx.}