Fluoride Action Network

Abstract

Goal: Determine the dose-response relationship between tea-induced osteofluorosis and brick tea intake.

Method: In two representative tea-induced fluorosis areas in the north and south of China, namely Aba County of Sichuan province and Chen Banner of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, osteofluorosis suffers were diagnosed by means of x-ray and a regression analysis was conducted to investigate sufferers fluoride intake from brick tea.

Result: In Aba County, level 1, 2, and 3 osteofluorosis sufferers have an average daily intake of fluoride from drinking brick tea of 6.26, 9.92, and 12.80 mg, respectively. In Chen banner, level 1 and level 2 osteofluorosis sufferers have a daily intake of fluoride from drinking brick tea of  6.26 and 10.23 mg, respectively; no level 3 sufferers were found. A linear relationship exists between disease severity and annual brick tea consumption (F = 330.23, p < 0.01), with a correlation coefficient of 0.77.

Conclusion: A dose-response relationship exists between the severity of osteofluorosis and the intake of fluoride from tea drinking.