Additional beneficial effect of tamarind ingestion over defluoridated water supply to adolescent boys in a fluorotic area

Objective We evaluated the effect of tamarind (Tamarindus indicus) on ingestion and whether it provides additional beneficial effects on mobilization of fluoride from the bone after children are provided defluoridated water. Methods A randomized, diet control study was conducted in 30 subjects from a fluoride endemic area after significantly decreasing urinary fluoride excretion by supplying defluoridated water for 2 wk. Subjects were then assigned to one of two groups, with 15 in each group. One group was supplemented with tamarind (experimental group) for 3 wk and the other (control) group was given only defluoridated water for the same period. Results The mean changes in urinary components after tamarind ingestion (volume, pH, fluoride calcium, copper, and magnesium) in the control and experimental groups were compared. There was a significant increase (P < 0.01) in fluoride excretion and urinary pH and a significant decrease in urinary calcium (P < 0.01) and copper (P < 0.05) excretion in the experimental group as compared with the control group. There was no change in urinary volume between groups. Conclusions Tamarind intake appears to have an additional beneficial effect on the mobilization of deposited fluoride from bone, by enhancing urinary excretion of fluoride.