The Science - Eating Tamarind - Showed a 37% increase in fluoride excretion

Abstract

Objective

We evaluated the effect of tamarind (Tamarindus indicus) on ingestion and whether it provides additional beneficial effects on mobilization of fluoride from the bone after children are provided defluoridated water.

Methods

A randomized, diet control study was conducted in 30 subjects from a fluoride endemic area after significantly decreasing urinary fluoride excretion by supplying defluoridated water for 2 wk. Subjects were then assigned to one of two groups, with 15 in each group. One group was supplemented with tamarind (experimental group) for 3 wk and the other (control) group was given only defluoridated water for the same period.

Results

The mean changes in urinary components after tamarind ingestion (volume, pH, fluoride calcium, copper, and magnesium) in the control and experimental groups were compared. There was a significant increase (P < 0.01) in fluoride excretion and urinary pH and a significant decrease in urinary calcium (P < 0.01) and copper (P < 0.05) excretion in the experimental group as compared with the control group. There was no change in urinary volume between groups.

Conclusions

Tamarind intake appears to have an additional beneficial effect on the mobilization of deposited fluoride from bone, by enhancing urinary excretion of fluoride.

Study:

Additional beneficial effect of tamarind ingestion over defluoridated water supply to adolescent boys in a fluorotic area , , , ,
Nutrition
Volume 20, Issue 5, May 2004, Pages 433-436
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0899900704000085

 

Fluoride & Tamarind: What the Research Says
 “A 2002 study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that tamarind pulp consumption increased fluoride excretion in humans. The study suggested tamarind may help support the body’s natural elimination of certain environmental compounds.”

Conclusion (A 37% increase in fluoride excretion): Tamarind intake is likely to help in delaying progression of fluorosis by enhancing urinary excretion of fluoride.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of tamarind (Tamarindus indicus) ingestion on excretion of fluoride in school children.

Design: Randomized, diet-control study.

Subject: Twenty healthy boys were included and 18 of them completed the study.

Interventions: Each subject consumed 10 g tamarind daily with lunch for 18 days at the social welfare boys' hostel. The nutrient composition of the daily diet was constant throughout the experimental period.

Results: Tamarind intake led to significant increase (P<0.001) in the excretion of fluoride in 24 h urine (4.8+/-0.22 mg/day) as compared to excretion on control diet (3.5+/-0.22 mg/day). However, excretion of magnesium and zinc decreased significantly (7.11+/-1.48 mg of Mg and 252.88+/-12.84 microg of Zn per day on tamarind diet as compared to 23.39+/-3.68 mg of Mg and 331.78+/-35.31 microg Zn per day on control diet). Excretion of calcium and phosphorous were not significantly different while creatinine excretion decreased with tamarind intake (225.66+/-81 mg creatinine/day with tamarind and 294.5+/-78.76 mg creatinine/day without tamarind).

Conclusion: Tamarind intake is likely to help in delaying progression of fluorosis by enhancing urinary excretion of fluoride.

Reference:
 Khandare AL, Rao GS, Lakshmaiah N. (2002). Effect of tamarind ingestion on fluoride excretion in humans. Eur J Clin Nutr 56, 82–85.

Key Studies on Tamarind Seed Coat Extract (TSCE) and Fluoride Toxicity

  1. In Vitro Study on Lung Cells
     A study published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials examined the effects of TSCE on human lung epithelial cells (A549) exposed to sodium fluoride. The findings indicated that TSCE reduced fluoride-induced oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis in these cells, suggesting its potential as a protective agent against fluoride toxicity. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29971746/

  2. Animal Study on Systemic Toxicity
     Research in Environmental Science and Pollution Research evaluated the impact of TSCE on fluoride-induced systemic toxicity in rats. The study found that TSCE administration mitigated oxidative stress and restored hematological and biochemical parameters altered by fluoride exposure.

Study on Pulmonary Inflammation and Fibrosis
 Another study in the journal Inflammation explored TSCE's effects on fluoride-induced pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis in rats. The results demonstrated that TSCE could alleviate such conditions, highlighting its potential in managing fluoride-related pulmonary issues.

Boron as an Antidote to Fluoride Toxicity in Animals

1. Boron and Calcium Chloride as Ameliorators of Fluoride Toxicity in Wistar Rats

A study investigated the effects of boron and calcium chloride on fluoride toxicity in Wistar rats. Rats exposed to fluoride showed significant reductions in bone phosphorus content, liver calcium levels, and plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Supplementation with boron or calcium chloride significantly reduced fluoride content in internal organs and improved plasma biochemical parameters. researchgate.net+1nopr.niscpr.res.in+1

2. Effect of Boron on Fluoride Toxicity in Buffalo Calves

Research on buffalo calves fed a high-fluoride diet demonstrated that boron supplementation improved dry matter intake and increased fecal excretion of fluoride. This suggests that boron may reduce fluoride absorption and enhance its elimination. borates.today+1ijcmas.com+1

Effect of boron on urinary and faecal excretion of minerals in buffalo calves fed high fluoride ration

3. Formation of Boron-Fluoride Complexes

A study indicated that boron administration led to the formation of boron-fluoride complexes (BF₄⁻) in the gastrointestinal tract, facilitating the elimination of fluoride through feces. This mechanism contributes to the reduction of plasma fluoride levels. ijcmas.com+1

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