Excessive fluoride consumption is associated with haematological alteration in adults living in Jeddah- Saudi Arabia: a pilot study

Exposure to fluoride has increased significantly over the past decades. High incidence of fluorosis was reported in different parts of the kingdom indicating excessive intake. Excessive dietary fluoride produced anaemia and eosinophilia. We aimed to estimate fluoride intake in healthy adults, and investigate relationship between excessive consumption, and changes in blood cells indices. 85 adults aged 20–50 years were recruited. Subjects were examined clinically for suitability, and dentally for fluorosis. Weight and height were measured to calculate body mass index. Demographic information and dietary intake were recorded face to face using structured, validated questionnaires. Fasting blood samples were collected for haematological evaluation. Fluoride was estimated in collected first morning urine, water samples, and various beverages. Fluoride intakes from food, water, and beverages were used to calculate the daily intake, which was used to divide subjects into high (HI) and low or optimal intake (LI) subgroups. Means of different estimated parameters of the two subgroups were compared statistically. Fluorosis was detected in 15 subjects. Urinary fluoride correlated significantly with fluoride intake (r = 0.54, P = 3 × 10− 4). Higher than adequate intake was found in 57 subjects. HI subgroup had significantly lower mean WBC, RBC counts, Hgb, MCV, MCH and MCHC (P < 0.03 at least), and an increased incidence of anaemia but higher mean eosinophils (P = 0.021), with 51% of subjects showing eosinophilia. Excessive consumption of fluoride was observed among study participants, and was associated with increased incidence of anaemia and alterations in the blood cells indices.