Fluoride is commonly added to tap water to support dental health, but new research suggests it may have negative implications for our bones. While fluoride can help reduce tooth decay, it might also impact bone strength, especially as we age. Here’s what you need to know about how fluoride interacts with bone health and steps you can take to reduce exposure.

How Does Fluoride Affect Bones?

Fluoride has a natural affinity for calcium, which is the main mineral in our bones. Over time, fluoride bonds with calcium to create a compound known as fluorapatite. Fluorapatite gradually integrates into our bones, increasing bone density. However, denser doesn’t necessarily mean stronger - there’s more to bone health than density alone.

Reasons Fluorapatite Can Lead to Higher Bone Fragility:

• Reduced Flexibility: Healthy bones need a balance of density and flexibility to absorb impacts. When fluorapatite accumulates, it makes bones denser but also more rigid. This rigidity can lead to fractures, as bones with high fluorapatite levels are less able to bend and absorb shock.
• Altered Bone Structure: Fluorapatite changes the microscopic structure of bones, making them more mineralized and crystalline in composition. While this sounds positive, it actually results in bones that are harder but also more likely to develop micro-cracks under pressure. Over time, these small cracks can accumulate, making major fractures more likely.
• Increased Brittleness Over Time: Long-term exposure to high fluoride levels, especially in areas with naturally fluoridated water, has been shown to cause bones to lose their natural resilience. Brittle bones are a particular risk for older adults, who are already at risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

The overall impact of fluorapatite is complex: while it may appear to strengthen bones by making them denser, it ultimately undermines bone integrity, making fractures more likely, particularly under strain or impact.

Fluoride Removal Filters: A Safer Option for Your Health

Fluoride is a challenging contaminant to remove from water due to its small ionic size and stable nature, making it difficult to filter out using standard water filtration methods. However, specialized filters can significantly reduce fluoride levels, providing a safer option for those concerned about fluoride exposure. Here are some effective fluoride-removal options:

• Activated Carbon Filters: Though activated carbon alone isn’t highly effective at removing fluoride, certain advanced versions are enhanced to better adsorb fluoride molecules. These specialty carbon filters capture fluoride particles, though their effectiveness may vary depending on the water’s fluoride concentration and filter quality.
• Ion Exchange Filters: Ion exchange filters are designed to remove specific ions, including fluoride, from the water. These filters use a resin that binds to fluoride ions, effectively trapping them and reducing fluoride levels in the filtered water. This method is particularly useful in areas with higher fluoride concentrations.
• Aluminum Oxide: Aluminum oxide is a highly effective medium for fluoride removal, often used in point-of-use filtration systems. This material works by adsorbing fluoride ions onto its surface, making it an excellent option for reducing fluoride concentrations.
• Activated Alumina: Activated alumina is a porous form of aluminum oxide that is specially treated to maximize fluoride removal. It works by adsorbing fluoride ions onto its surface as water passes through the filter. 
• Reverse Osmosis: Reverse osmosis (RO) systems force water through a fine, semi-permeable membrane that removes a range of impurities, including fluoride. 

Santevia’s water filtration products offer an effective solution for reducing fluoride in your drinking water, supporting your health with clean, filtered water.

Choosing the Right Water Filter for Your Needs

Protecting your bones may start with a simple switch to filtered water. Santevia water filters are designed to reduce fluoride levels while adding back in essential minerals like calcium and magnesium that support bone strength. Whether you’re considering an at-home filtration system or a portable option, Santevia’s range of fluoride-removal filters can help you enjoy healthier water and peace of mind.