Summary
This randomized, diet-controlled study in school-aged boys found that consuming 10 g of tamarind daily for 18 days significantly increased urinary fluoride excretion compared with a control diet, indicating improved fluoride elimination that may help slow fluorosis progression. Among the 18 participants who completed the study, tamarind intake raised 24-hour fluoride excretion from 3.5 to 4.8 mg/day (P < 0.001), while also reducing urinary magnesium and zinc levels, with no significant effects on calcium or phosphorus; creatinine excretion decreased modestly as well. Overall, the findings suggest that tamarind can enhance fluoride clearance, though its impact on mineral balance warrants further investigation.
PMID: 11840184
DOI: 10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601287
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the effect of dietary tamarind (Tamarindus indicus) on fluoride excretion in school-aged children.
Design: Randomized, diet-controlled intervention study.
Participants: Twenty healthy boys residing in a social welfare hostel were enrolled; eighteen completed the study.
Intervention: Participants consumed 10 g of tamarind daily with lunch for 18 days. All subjects received a constant, standardized diet throughout the study period.
Methods and Results: Daily tamarind intake produced a significant increase in 24-hour urinary fluoride excretion (4.8 ± 0.22 mg/day) compared with the control diet (3.5 ± 0.22 mg/day; P < 0.001). Tamarind ingestion, however, significantly reduced urinary excretion of magnesium (7.11 ± 1.48 mg/day vs. 23.39 ± 3.68 mg/day) and zinc (252.88 ± 12.84 µg/day vs. 331.78 ± 35.31 µg/day). No significant differences were observed in urinary calcium or phosphorus excretion. Creatinine excretion decreased modestly during tamarind intake (225.66 ± 81 mg/day vs. 294.5 ± 78.76 mg/day).
Conclusion: Daily consumption of tamarind significantly enhances urinary fluoride elimination and may help delay the progression of fluorosis. Further research is needed to examine mineral balance implications associated with tamarind intake.
Khandare AL, Rao GS, Lakshmaiah N. Effect of tamarind ingestion on fluoride excretion in humans. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2002 Jan;56(1):82-5. doi: 10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601287. PMID: 11840184.