Study Finds Teas to Contain High Levels of Fluoride

Study Finds Teas to Contain High Levels of Fluoride – Could Lead to Fluoride Labels on Food

by Mike Barrett
Posted on July 28, 2013

A study has recently found that some inexpensive tea bags contain concerningly-high levels of the toxic substance known as fluoride. While many health experts and governments continue to assert that fluoride is purposefully added to water supplies to protect us, some experts are now calling for fluoride levels to be stated on packages – a move that would greatly help those of us trying to reduce exposure to fluoride.

The study, which analyzed inexpensive tea bags from supermarkets including Asda, Sainsbury’s and Tesco, found that drinking the tea could push a person’s fluoride intake over the ‘daily recommended level’ (there should be no recommended level for a toxic substance), and put them at a higher risk of bone and dental disease. The teas provided anywhere from 75-120% of the recommended daily intake.

The DailyMail reports:

“Using Ion Selective Electrode analysis – which analyses trace elements, such as fluoride, in a liquid – of the dry tea, and of the tea infusions brewed with boiling water for two minutes, the researchers compared the fluoride levels consumed by someone drinking the average intake of four cups or a litre of tea a day.”

It is recommended that an adult does not consume more than 3-4mg of fluoride each day, but on average, a litre of inexpensive supermarket tea contained 6mg of fluoride.

Here are the basic results:

Dry tea

Dry teas contained an average of 103-839 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of fluoride.

Economy blends had the highest fluoride concentrations on average, at about 580mg per kg.

Green teas averaged at about 397mg per kg while pure blends contained the lowest concentrations on average of 132mg per kg.

Tea Infusions

Fluoride levels in the infusions ranged from 0.43 to 8.85g per kg overall.

Fluoride levels differed slightly between the 2 and 10 minute infusions and the 10 and 30 minute infusions. But there was an “extremely significant” difference between the 2 and 30 minute infusions, with infusion time increasing fluoride levels.

Economy blends (Asda Smart Price, Sainsbury’s basics, Morrisons and Tesco) contained the most fluoride, with an average of 6mg per litre in a two minute infusion.

Pu’er and oolong tea infusions had the lowest levels of fluoride, followed by pure blends, black blends and green blends.

Why Fluoride is Dangerous

Published in the journal Food Research International, the study is a positive one in that it may actually be a stepping stone in the eventual labeling of fluoride on food products. While fluoride is touted as safe, the fluoride added to water supplies around the nation has actually been linked to heart disease, cancer, and is even known for reducing IQ. Research has even found fluoride to provide little or no benefit for teeth, which is one of its primary ‘purposes’.

You can simply type “fluoride” in the search bar here at NaturalSociety to learn more about the dangers, but also know that there are numerous ways to force fluoride out of your body. Here are 4 things to include in your fluoride detox.

Additional Sources:

Litalee

About Mike Barrett:
	Mike is the co-founder, editor, and researcher behind Natural Society. Studying the work of top natural health activists, and writing special reports for top 10 alternative health websites, Mike has written hundreds of articles and pages on how to obtain optimum wellness through natural health.