Serum ionic fluoride: normal range and relationship to age and sex

Area of Science:

• Clinical Chemistry
• Trace Element Analysis
• Human Physiology

Background:

• Serum ionic fluoride concentrations are crucial for understanding fluoride homeostasis.
• Previous studies have not fully elucidated the age and sex-specific normal ranges of serum ionic fluoride.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish the normal range of serum ionic fluoride concentrations.
• To investigate the relationship between serum ionic fluoride levels, sex, and age.
• To identify other factors influencing serum ionic fluoride concentrations.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Orion fluoride electrode system for precise measurements.
• Recruited a cohort of 87 men and 49 women across various age groups.
• Analyzed serum and plasma fluoride levels, considering dietary factors and time of day.

Main Results:

• Established age- and sex-specific normal ranges for serum ionic fluoride.
• Demonstrated significantly higher mean serum fluoride in older males (≥45 years) compared to younger males (P < 0.01).
• Identified tea as a significant dietary source of fluoride and confirmed stability of levels throughout the day.

Conclusions:

• Serum ionic fluoride levels are influenced by age and sex, with aging males showing increased concentrations.
• Dietary fluoride intake, particularly from tea, plays a role in serum fluoride levels.
• Serum and plasma fluoride concentrations show no significant difference and exhibit minimal diurnal variation.