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Fluoride and aluminum in teas and tea-based beverages
Mitsue Fujimaki Hayacibara1, Celso Silva Queiroz, Cínthia Pereira Machado Tabchoury
1Departamento de Ciências Fisiol gicas, Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil.
Revista De Saude Publica
|February 14, 2004
Summary
Black and ready-to-drink teas contain high fluoride levels, potentially exceeding daily limits for children and increasing dental fluorosis risk. Aluminum levels were safe for general health. Herbal teas showed very low concentrations.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Tea consumption is widespread globally.
- Fluoride and aluminum are elements with potential health implications.
- Assessing their levels in popular beverages is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify fluoride and aluminum in various teas available in Brazil.
- To assess the oral and general health risks associated with these elements in tea.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 177 herbal/black tea samples, 11 imported teas, and 21 ready-to-drink teas.
- Fluoride measured using ion-selective electrode.
- Aluminum measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy.
Main Results:
- Herbal teas had very low fluoride and aluminum.
- Black and ready-to-drink teas exhibited high fluoride levels.
- Aluminum levels were deemed safe; some teas exceeded safe fluoride intake for children.
Conclusions:
- Camellia sinensis teas (Brazilian and imported) and some tea-based beverages are significant fluoride sources.
- High fluoride intake from these teas may elevate the risk of dental fluorosis.
- Aluminum content poses no significant risk to general health.