Effect of dietary calcium, vitamin C and protein in development of experimental skeletal fluorosis. I. Growth, serum chemistry, and changes in composition, and radiological appearance of bones

Abstract

Experimental fluorosis was induced in monkeys maintained on different levels of dietary protein, calcium, and vitamin C. Elevation of serum alkaline phosphatase and formation of abnormal bone deposits were observed in animals receiving fluoride on low-calcium and low-vitamin-C diets. Adequate calcium and vitamin C in the diet were found to mitigate the toxic effects of fluoride. Fluoride on low-protein diet appeared to accelerate the development of rarefaction of bones. Administration of fluoride did not appear to alter the major bone constituents (ash, calcium, phosphorus, collagen-protein and total protein). Higher amounts of fluoride were found to be retained in the bones of animals maintained on low-calcium diets.