[Bone density and thyroid gland function in adolescents in relation to fluoride content of drinking water]

In 26 adolescents between 13--15 years of age living in a region with increased fluoride concentration in drinking water (3 ppm = 3 mg NaF/l) bone density-measurements by an I-125 profile scanner as well as measurements of thyroid function by means of numerous in vitro tests (T3U, T4, FT4-Index, RIA-T3, rT3, hTg, TSH, thyroglobulin and microsomal thyroid antibodies) have been done. Comparing 19 adolescents of same age from a region with low fluoride concentration in the drinking water (0,1--0,2 ppm) the study showed no influence of fluoride content of drinking water on skeleton mineralization and on thyroid function. There was found only--not depending on fluoride concentration--an increased bone density in females that was interpreted as a physiological difference between males and females.