Also indexed as: En-De-Kay® Fluotabs, Fluor-A-Day®,
Fluorigard®, Fluorinse®, Fluoritab®, Fluorodex®, Fluotic®,
Flura-Drops®, Flura-Tab®, Karidium®, Luride®, Pedi-Dent®,
Pediaflor®, PreviDent®
Sodium fluoride is used to prevent dental cavities and might be effective in the treatment
of osteoporosis.
Summary of
Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, a herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem
contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized
interactions.
 May be Beneficial: Depletion or
interference—The medication may deplete or interfere with the absorption or
function of the nutrient. Taking these nutrients may help replenish them. |
Zinc
|
| May be Beneficial: Supportive
interaction—Taking these supplements may support or otherwise help your medication
work better. |
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
|
Check: Other—Before taking any of these supplements or eating any of
these foods with your medication, read this article in full for details. |
Calcium
|
| Side effect reduction/prevention |
None known
|
| Reduced drug
absorption/bioavailability |
None known
|
| Adverse interaction |
None known
|
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the
interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific
evidence.
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 doctor 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, yoghurt, 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.
References
(To view, roll mouse over heading; to hide, click on heading)
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.
Copyright © 2006 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved.
www.healthnotes.com
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Learn more about the authors of Using Medicines
with Vitamins and Herbs
The information presented in Healthnotes 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 chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before
making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2007.
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