Abstract

Fluoride administration in both man and animals has been shown to stimulate new bone formation. However, the bone is poorly mineralized, and osteomalacia and secondary hyperparathyroidism frequently occur. In this study we investigated the effect of variable levels of fluoride and calcium intake, accompanied by vitamin D, on osteoporosis in eleven patients treated for one year. Bone biopsies indicated an increase in new bone formation in all patients receiving 45 mg of sodium fluoride per day, whereas SOO mg of calcium per day prevented both osteomalacia and any increase in bone resorption. In order to restore bone mass in osteoporotic subjects without producing roentgenographic or microscopic: evidence of fluorosis, a therapeutic regimen of 50 mg of sodium fluoride and at least 900 mg of calcium per day and 50,000 units of vitamin D twice weekly is recommended.