Fluoride Facts

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract or digestive system, consists of organs that work together to break down foods and convert them into energy and basic nutrients that facilitate metabolic reactions in the body. The oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestines, and large intestines are all part of the GI tract.

It is known that in the stomach’s acidic environment, fluoride and hydrogen ions bond to form hydrogen fluoride. Hydrogen fluoride in high concentrations can irritate the mucous tissue of the stomach lining, and in several animal studies, adverse effects included chronic gastritis and other lesions. A major point to consider is that the effects appeared when subjects in the study were administered an average concentration of 190+ mg/ L.

Reports on human gastrointestinal effects have involved industrial workers exposed to unknown concentrations of fluoride, although they may have also been exposed to additional toxic substances in their work environment.
Thus, it has been concluded that according to current evidence, at normal concentrations of municipal fluoridated water it is unlikely that people are to develop gastrointestinal problems.