Measurement of Fluoride Content in many Grands of Tea in Iraqi Markets

Abstract

The fluoride contents in the infusions of (10) commercially available in the local market in Iraq of tea brands in leaf and bag forms was determined by a fluoride ion-selective electrode method. The effect of brewing time on fluoride release from tea was assessed. Results showed that fluoride release increased with increasing brewing time (3, 5 ,10 min). Fluoride level after 5 min brewing for green tea bags, black tea leaves and black tea bags was in the range of (80mg/kg),(122~309mg/kg)and(308~348 mg/kg) respectively .The WHO guideline for daily fluoride intake is( 2.00 mg) for children and ( 4.00 mg) for adults. Assuming that one consumes 4 cups of tea everyday (400 mL) and each cup uses (2.5 g ) of tea leaves, the daily fluoride intake from black tea leaves may be in the range ( 1.22 ~ 3.09 mg ). Similarly, intake from the green tea bags about (0.80 mg). Similarly, intake from the black tea bags may range from (3.01 ~ 3.45 mg ) . Thus according to the WHO recommendation for daily fluoride intake the black and green tea bags and black tea leaves are safe for all age groups .