Despite the fact that fluorine as a halogen is a poisonous gas, its entry into the human body is mandatory. The state of the immune, circulatory system, bone tissue, etc. directly depends on this element. The lack of fluorine in the body provokes hair loss, the development of diseases of the oral cavity and bones. But an excess amount of a substance is much more dangerous. Therefore, every person should know how to find the right middle ground.
What is this item
Fluorine (F) is a biogenic element, a very active non-metal, a strong oxidizing agent. In the Periodic system of chemical elements of D. I. Mendeleev is in group VII, in the subgroup of halogens. Reacts with metals to form s alts. By nature, F is a pale yellow gas. One of the most common elements in nature.
Normally, the human body contains 2.6 grams of the substance. The daily dose for an adult is from one and a half to five milligrams. At a temperature of 188 degrees below zero Celsius, the gas condenses. After lowering to -228 degrees, it freezes, turning into a crystal. In nature, the mostdistributed in the form of minerals. Among them, the largest proportion falls on fluorite or fluorspar (CaF2).
Impact on human he alth
Fluorine - what does the body need? It prevents the appearance of caries on the teeth, stimulates the immune system and regulates blood circulation. In case of a shortage of this element, the doctor may prescribe nutritional supplements with its content. But the dose should be strictly normalized. Excessive amounts can weaken the immune system and adversely affect the development of the child.
Benefits of fluoride for the human body:
- removes radionuclides and s alts of heavy metals;
- increases resistance to radiation;
- participates in the formation of enamel and skeleton;
- responsible for the normal growth of hair and nails;
- participates in various biochemical reactions;
- stimulates the circulatory system;
- strengthens immunity;
- provides prevention of osteoporosis;
- prevents caries and periodontal disease;
- slow down acid-forming bacteria.
Excess F
Even without the use of supplements, the dose of the element that people take with water, toothpaste (all toothpastes are made with fluoride), or food can be too high. And an excess amount of such a substance provokes the appearance of serious he alth problems.
After ingesting more than two grams of a substance, a person can die. Atuse of more than twenty milligrams is poisoning. The influence of fluorine on the human body cannot be underestimated. The main symptoms of an overdose are the following:
- lacrimation;
- weakness;
- sharp numbness;
- abdominal pain;
- vomit;
- diarrhea;
- itchy skin;
- fluorosis;
- bleeding gums;
- calcinosis;
- convulsions;
- osteoporosis;
- disturbed sinus rhythm of the heart;
- metabolic disorder;
- pneumonia;
- bone deformity;
- hypotension;
- kidney damage;
- pulmonary edema;
- damage to the central nervous system.
What is the danger F
The role of fluorine in the human body is very high. Research scientists have shown that the compounds of this element are neurotoxins - substances that adversely affect nerve cells and destroy nerve tissue. Known to all neurotoxins are alcohol and animal poisons. For example, snake venom contains components that can completely paralyze the victim in a matter of seconds.
Use of fluoride in excess of the norm does not paralyze a person (at least not so quickly). But fluoride reduces memory, thinking ability, problems with spatial orientation, understanding, calculation, learning, speech, reasoning ability and other cognitive functions.
After a long-term effect of fluorine on the human body,even worse outcomes such as cancer, genetic DNA damage, low IQ, lethargy, Alzheimer's, and more.
Fluorine ions inhibit some enzymatic reactions and bind important elements such as phosphorus, calcium, magnesium. This leads to metabolic imbalance.
People who work in the chemical industry are at risk of F poisoning. This can happen during the production of phosphate fertilizers or during the synthesis of compounds containing F. Poisoning causes burns to the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, eyes, and skin. In severe cases, damage to the lungs and central nervous system is possible. With prolonged chronic exposure, diseases such as conjunctivitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, pneumosclerosis, and fluorosis develop.
Shortage of F
When there is a lack of fluoride, caries develops in the body. In addition, hair falls out, nails break, bones become less strong, and the risk of fractures increases. It is also possible the development of osteoporosis, periodontal disease.
No normal absorption of iron occurs. This phenomenon can lead to the development of iron deficiency anemia (anemia). Symptoms of this pathology:
- malaise;
- weakness;
- fatigue;
- changing the taste of food;
- dry mouth;
- tongue pinching;
- shortness of breath;
- palpitations;
- feeling like a lump in the throat;
- appearance of "zaedov";
- dry skin;
- discomfort in the vulva;
- drowsy;
- headache;
- dizziness;
- fainting;
- changing the structure of hair and nails;
- pale greenish skin.
The development of anemia is especially dangerous during pregnancy. Then there is a danger to the life of both mother and child.
What foods contain
The main source of fluoride is drinking water. It is also found in black and green tea, walnuts, seafood, milk, eggs, onions, lentils, oatmeal, buckwheat, rice, potatoes, green leafy vegetables and beef liver.
Fluorine is a part of food in very small quantities, so without drinking water, you can not get the daily norm of the element. The exception is marine fish. Foods rich in fluoride are shown in the table below.
| Food | Fluorine content |
| Cod (150 grams) | 0, 105mg |
| Sea bass (150 grams) | 0, 210mg |
| Haddock (150 grams) | 0, 240mg |
| Herring, mackerel (150 grams) | 0, 525mg |
| Eel (150 grams) | 0, 240mg |
| Salmon (150 grams) | 0, 870mg |
| Smoked herring (45 grams) | 0, 160mg |
| Frozen salmon (45 grams) | 0, 200mg |
| Dried cod (45 grams) | 0, 225mg |
| Herring fillet in tomato (45 grams) | 0, 960mg |
| Chicken fillet (150 grams) | 0, 210mg |
| Chicken liver (100 grams) | 0, 190mg |
| Buckwheat, peeled grain bread (60 grams) | 0, 100mg |
Caries
To prevent caries, preparations containing F compounds are used. Fluorides are similar in nature to the minerals from which teeth are built. The most intense accumulation of fluoride occurs during teething. There are more of them in permanent teeth than in milk teeth. With age, the content of these compounds decreases. As a result, older people have more oral he alth problems.
Crystal lattice with included fluoride protects the tooth from caries. The compound inhibits the growth of plaque bacteria. Fluorides reduce the activity of enzymes that are involved in the formation of organic acids.
Fluorosis
When there is a lack of fluorine in the body, caries develops, and when it is in excess, fluorosis develops. F is found in all human organs and tissues, but the highest concentration is in teeth and bone tissues. Fluorides, which are part of food, are absorbed worse thansoluble in water. Therefore, the main reason for the development of fluorosis is an excess of the element in drinking water.
Much depends on the individuality of each person. According to the results of studies, it has been established that in areas with an excessively high content of a substance in the water, people suffering from fluorosis and those whose oral cavity is absolutely he althy simultaneously live.
From the foregoing, we can conclude that the effect of fluoride on the human body plays a very important role.
Preparations containing fluoride
There are drugs in which the substance is part of the mineral complexes. And there are those in which F is an independent element. Among the second - vitaftor, sodium fluoride, fluoride. All of them are used to treat caries in people of different ages. Fluoridated water, s alt and other preventive products are also produced. They are prescribed for both treatment and prevention of F deficiency.
To minimize the negative impact of fluoride on the human body, it is necessary to regularly carry out preventive measures among the population in areas with an increased amount of it in piped water.
