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Two new North American studies investigated the impact of low-level fluoride consumption on the strength and density of bone.
While these important (yet largely overlooked) studies are not slam-dunks, they provide some of the strongest evidence to date that low-level fluoride exposure alters the quality of bone tissue, and strengthen concerns that fluoride exposure may increase the rate of bone fracture in the population.
Skeletal Fluorosis-A Real Danger of Excessive Fluoride Consumption
The harmful effects of chronic fluoride exposure on bone are well established. Since the 1930s it has been known that fluoride intake causes excessive bone growth, which can result in joint pain, bone pain, and stiffness. These symptoms are difficult to distinguish from arthritis. Other symptoms indicative of early clinical stage skeletal fluorosis include:
Burning, prickling, and tingling in your limbs
Muscle weakness
Chronic fatigue
Gastrointestinal disorders
Reduced appetite and weight loss
The second clinical stage of skeletal fluorosis is characterized by:
Stiff joints and/or constant pain in your bones; brittle bones; and osteosclerosis Anemia Calcification of tendons, or ligaments of ribs and pelvis Osteoporosis in the long bones Bony spurs may also appear on your limb bones, especially around your knee, elbow, and on the surface of tibia and ulna
In advanced skeletal fluorosis (called crippling skeletal fluorosis), your extremities become weak and moving your joints difficult, and your vertebrae partially fuse together, effectively crippling you. You have a heightened risk of developing problems from even mild exposure to fluoride, such as bone fractures, if you:
Are elderly
Are deficient in calcium, magnesium, and/or vitamin C
Have cardiovascular problems
Have kidney problems