Fluoride Content of Some Teas Consumed in Sao Paulo

The determination of trace element content in beverages is important in order to assess any potential health hazards. Fluoride is an important element to consider due to its possible adverse effects on health) In the last years several papers have been published on the fluoride content of tea leaves. 24 However, the results obtained are often in poor agreement. The variations can be explained on the basis of the leaf age, maturity and genetics of the plant, rainfall, altitude, fertilizer, and type of soi1.4,6 Discrepancies also exist over the fluoride levels found in tea infusions. The quality of infused tea depends on the percent of extraction, which in turn is a function of type, strength, and duration of infusion. 6 Boiling increases the fluoride extraction, but also affects the flavor of tea. 4 Five minutes produces the best flavor with least extraction of unpleasant-tasting tannin.? Estimates of the daily intake of fluoride in many countries lie between 0.2 and 2 mg per person; and often tea infusions are the main source of dietary fluoride. The amount of fluoride from tea however, can contribute to a disturbingly high total ingestion when added to other sources of fluoride (toothpaste, fluoride in water, wine etc). The purpose of this study was to determine the fluoride levels in twelve brands of commercial tea sold in Sao Paulo supermarkets and to evaluate the potentiality of tea as a dietary contributor of fluoride.