Do fluoride levels in cheap tea pose a health risk?

Conclusion This study suggests that people drinking economy brands of tea may be exposed to high levels of fluoride, which can cause dental and bone problems. The researchers calculate that people drinking 1 litre of cheap tea a day may be consuming more fluoride than the daily recommended amount, as advised by US experts. However, as the authors themselves say, in the US the “upper tolerable limit” of fluoride is 10mg of fluoride daily. The researchers’ calculations are not based on this maximum limit – but on recommended daily intake. In some parts of the world the natural fluoride levels in water are excessive and this is known to cause serious dental and bone problems. In the UK, severe fluorosis is rare, although mild fluorosis, in which the teeth become stained, may occur in children given fluoride supplements. If your budget can only stretch to economy teabags then there is no real cause to worry as long as you limit your tea consumption. While there is no official guidance, most experts recommend drinking no more than three mugs of tea a day on a regular basis. Analysis by Bazian. Edited by NHS Choices. Follow Behind the Headlines on Twitter. Links To The Headlines Cheap tea 'raises risk of bone and teeth problems'. The Daily Telegraph, July 24 2013 Could cheap tea bags make you ill? Study reveals they contain high fluoride levels that could damage teeth, bones and muscles. Mail Online, July 24 2013 Scientists warn of health risks from cheap tea blends. ITV...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Lifestyle/exercise Food/diet Source Type: news