Fluoride and bone: a second look. No use in osteoporosis.
(1) Data on fluoride efficacy in secondary prevention of osteoporotic fractures were contradictory when we last examined the file, in 1990. We now re-examine the clinical file on fluoride with more follow-up and new clinical trial data. (2) In 354 postmenopausal women with a history of vertebral fracture (secondary prevention), a comparative trial (the FAVOS trial) showed that moderate-dose fluoride for 2 years did not reduce the incidence of new vertebral fractures relative to calcium plus vitamin D.  Furthermore, fluoride caused more cases of lower-limb pain. (3) In 110 postmenopausal women with a history of vertebral fracture, a trial showed that fluoride (sustained-release form) + calcium was more effective than calcium alone in preventing vertebral fractures. (4) No pertinent trial on fluoride in primary prevention has been published since 1991.
D000368:Aged; D002118:Calcium / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004872:Ergocalciferols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005459:Fluorides / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005598:Fractures, Spontaneous / Q000517:prevention & control; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D015663:Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D004872:Ergocalciferols; D005459:Fluorides; D002118:Calcium