Effect of tamarind ingestion on fluoride excretion in humans.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of tamarind (Tamarindus indicus) ingestion on excretion of fluoride in school children.


METHODS
Randomized, diet-control study.


METHODS
Twenty healthy boys were included and 18 of them completed the study.


METHODS
Each subject consumed 10 g tamarind daily with lunch for 18 days at the social welfare boys' hostel. The nutrient composition of the daily diet was constant throughout the experimental period.


RESULTS
Tamarind intake led to significant increase (P<0.001) in the excretion of fluoride in 24 h urine (4.8+/-0.22 mg/day) as compared to excretion on control diet (3.5+/-0.22 mg/day). However, excretion of magnesium and zinc decreased significantly (7.11+/-1.48 mg of Mg and 252.88+/-12.84 microg of Zn per day on tamarind diet as compared to 23.39+/-3.68 mg of Mg and 331.78+/-35.31 microg Zn per day on control diet). Excretion of calcium and phosphorous were not significantly different while creatinine excretion decreased with tamarind intake (225.66+/-81 mg creatinine/day with tamarind and 294.5+/-78.76 mg creatinine/day without tamarind).


CONCLUSIONS
Tamarind intake is likely to help in delaying progression of fluorosis by enhancing urinary excretion of fluoride.
Khandare
A L
AL
National Institute of Nutrition, Indian Council of Medical Research, Hyderabad, India. alkhandare@yahoo.com
Rao
G S
GS
Lakshmaiah
N
N
D002648:Child; D005459:Fluorides / Q000652:urine*; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D008297:Male; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D029861:Tamarindus
D028321:Plant Preparations; D005459:Fluorides