ARTICLES

Magnesium-fluoride interrelationships in man. I. Effect of fluoride on magnesium metabolism

Metabolic balances of fluoride and magnesium were determined in man in control studies and during fluoride supplementation. The studies were carried out during three intake levels of calcium (200, 1,400, and 2,200 mg/day) and during two intake levels of phosphorus (800 mg and 1,400 mg/day). The intake of about 10 mg fluoride per day, given as NaF, resulted in a two- to threefold increase of the urinary and fecal fluoride excretion. However, during the high fluoride intake, the urinary magnesium remained about the same, the fecal magnesium increased slightly, and the magnesium balances did not differ significantly. This was the case whether fluoride was given during a low or high calcium intake in the absence or presence of added phosphorus. Similar results were obtained with large doses of fluoride (40-45 mg/day) given to patients with osteoporosis. The studies have shown that supplemental fluoride ranging from 10 to 45 mg/day did not affect the magnesium balance during calcium intakes that ranged from 200 to 2,200 mg/day and during phosphorus intakes that ranged from 800 to 1,400 mg/day.