Changes in fluorine metabolism during the treatment with calcium-magnesium preparation in 60 cases of endemic fluorosis

Using the method of metabolic balance, we investigated the fluoride metabolism and its change during calcium-magnesium preparation treatment in 60 cases of endemic fluorosis. We found that in patients with fluorosis the intake of fluoride and the levels of urinary, fecal and serum fluoride were several times higher than those of normal controls (P less than 0.01), that the intestinal fluoride apparent absorption rate was 1.5 times higher than that of normal controls (P less than 0.01) and that at a given dietary level of fluoride, there existed a balance of fluoride metabolism. Fluoride intake was positively correlated with intestinal fluoride apparent absorption rate (r = 0.375, P less than 0.01). The combination of calcium and magnesium preparation with fluoride led to decrease of intestinal fluoride apparent rate (P less than 0.05) and increase of fecal fluoride output (P less than 0.05). It seems reasonable to treat fluorosis with calcium-magnesium preparation.