Fluoride in teas of different types and forms and the exposure of humans to fluoride with tea and diet

Human exposure to the fluoride (F) from commercial teas was assessed. The efficacy of the F leaching was determined from the total F (Ft) contents in the teas (53–435 mg/kg) and the F concentrations in tea infusions (0.31–3.55 mg/l of free F available to human organism). Both were determined with a fluoride ion selective electrode. The efficacies of F leaching from the green, oolong and black teas were 55–90% with continuous, and 74–100% by repeated infusions, and were not affected by the type or the manufactured form. Lower efficacies were observed from Pu’erh teas, 21–38% with continuous, and 37–59% by repeated infusions. The daily intake of F with daily consumption of five cups of tea can represent 9–101% of the adequate intake (AI) for an adult person with 70 kg, and with tea and diet 25–173% of the AI in non-fluoridated and 35–210% of AI in fluoridated areas. The upper limits of these intakes can be already associated with a risk of developing F-related adverse effects.

► Human exposure to F from tea and from tea and diet assessed. ► Leaching and availability of F from teas of different types and forms studied. ► F leaching not affected by the type or form with the exception of Pu’erh tea. ► Consumption of 1000 ml of tea per day (person with 70 kg) provides 9–101% of AI. ► In nonfluoridated areas tea and diet can provide 25–173% of AI (in fluoridated 35–210%).