In volume 7, issue 10 of JAAOS: Global Research & Reviews, in the article titled, “Community Water Fluoridation and Rate of Pediatric Fractures” by Lindsay et al,1 there are several statements that describe fluoride as an essential nutrient. While the designation of fluoride as an essential nutrient or not does not affect the conclusions of this study, the authors felt that the following changes would enhance the quality of this research:
It is acknowledged that while fluoride is important for the development of normal bones and teeth, it is not necessarily an essential nutrient. Revised sentences from the article, and the sections they are published in, are below.
Introduction: Fluoride is a microelement thought to be important in the development of mineralized tissues, including bones and teeth.
Introduction: Small amounts of fluoride have been shown to induce bone formation through the stimulation of osteoblasts and inhibition of osteoclasts.
Discussion: Fluoride is thought to be important for the development of bones and teeth.
Reference
- 1.Lindsay SE, Smith S, Yang S, Yoo J: Community water fluoridation and rate of pediatric fractures. J Am Acad Orthop Surg Glob Res Rev 2023;7:e22.00221. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]