THE EFFECT OF WATER FLUORIDATION ON THE BONE-MINERAL DENSITY OF YOUNG-WOMEN

Introduction: Osteogenic effects of therapeutic fluoride have been rep orted; however, the impact of exposure to low level water fluoridation on bone density is not clear. We investigated the effect of long-term exposure to fluoridated water from growth to young adulthood on bone mineral density (BMD). Methods: BMD was measured in 24 healthy women f rom Regina (fluoride 0.1 mg/L) and 33 from Saskatoon (fluoride 1.0 mg/ L), with no differences between groups for height, weight, lifestyle o r dietary factors. Results: Saskatoon women had significantly higher m ean BMD at total anterior-posterior lumbar spine (APS) and estimated v olumetric L3 (VLS), with no difference at total body (TB) or proximal femur (PF). Conclusion: Exposure to water fluoridation during the grow ing years may have a power impact on axial spine bone density in young women.