The effects of fluoride and low calcium on the physical properties of the rat femur

Abstract

The effect of fluoride on the physical properties of bone was investi- gated with the aid of an Instron materials tester. Two groups of weanling female rats, one on an adequate (0.6% ) calcium diet and the other on a low (0.1%) diet were given the following dosage levels of fluoride (as NaF) in their deionized drinking water over a fifteen End one-half week period: 3.4 ppm, 10.0 ppm and 45.0 ppm. In the adequate calcium group a significant increase in flexibility in the rat femur was found only at the 45.0 ppm dosage level. This was not offset by a significant decrease in strength. In the low calcium group a similar significant increase in flexibility appeared at the 10.0 ppm dosage level 2s well as the 45.0 ppm, but a significant decrease in strength at the two dosage levels was observed. These were in direct relation to the amount of fluoride given.