Steaming cup of tea with fluoride crystals

Tea and Fluoride: What You Need to Know About Your Daily Brew

Q: What is fluoride in tea, and why should I be concerned about it?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that can be found in varying concentrations in tea leaves, especially in traditional teas derived from the Camellia sinensis plant. The plant accumulates fluoride from the soil, and it ends up in the leaves. Fluoride is important because, while it can offer benefits such as dental health when consumed in small amounts, excessive intake can lead to health risks, including fluorosis, which affects teeth and bones. The implications of fluoride content in tea are that regular tea drinkers, especially those who consume large quantities of traditional teas, need to be aware of their overall fluoride intake from all sources to avoid potential health problems. The fluoride content can vary greatly depending on the type of tea, where it was grown, and how it is processed.

Q: Do different types of tea have varying levels of fluoride?

Herbal teas generally contain lower levels of fluoride compared to traditional teas, such as green tea, black tea, and oolong tea. Studies show that herbal teas range from 33 to 102 mg/kg, while traditional teas can range from 296 to 1112 mg/kg. This difference is significant because individuals looking to minimize their fluoride intake might prefer herbal teas over traditional teas. This variance is due to herbal teas not being derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, which is known for accumulating fluoride. However, it is important to note that even herbal infusions have detectable levels of fluoride, so awareness is still important.

Q: What does Chronic Daily Intake (CDI) mean in relation to fluoride and tea consumption?

Chronic Daily Intake (CDI) is the estimated daily intake of a substance, in this case, fluoride, over a long period. It's calculated to assess the potential health risks associated with continuous exposure to that substance. CDI is important because it helps determine whether the cumulative intake of fluoride from tea and other sources exceeds safe or permissible limits. If the CDI value exceeds the permissible limits, it indicates a potential risk of developing health issues related to excessive fluoride consumption, such as skeletal fluorosis. Hazard Quotient (<1) assesses the risk, with values less than 1 suggesting little to no immediate harm, but cumulative intake can still be a concern.

Q: Does the amount of fluoride released when brewing tea vary?

Yes, the amount of fluoride released during tea infusion can vary significantly. For herbal teas, the release ranges from 6% to 96%, while for traditional teas, it ranges from 18% to 99%. This variation is significant because it affects the actual amount of fluoride a person ingests when drinking tea. Factors influencing fluoride release include the type of tea, the temperature of the water, and the duration of the steeping process. Understanding this variability allows tea drinkers to adjust their brewing methods to potentially reduce fluoride intake, such as using shorter steeping times or cooler water.

Q: How can I reduce my risk of consuming too much fluoride from tea?

To minimize your risk of excessive fluoride intake from tea, consider several strategies. Opt for herbal teas, as they generally contain lower fluoride levels compared to traditional teas. Be mindful of the brewing process; shorter steeping times and cooler water temperatures may reduce the amount of fluoride released during infusion. Vary your tea selections and consider teas from regions known to have lower fluoride levels in the soil. Additionally, be aware of your overall fluoride intake from other sources like toothpaste and fluoridated water to maintain a balanced approach to your health. Awareness of the levels in your tea choice is critical.

Reese Marlowe in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Uncover the potential health risks associated with fluoride levels in your favorite teas. A detailed guide for tea lovers."

Tea, derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, is one of the most beloved beverages across the globe. Beyond its comforting warmth and cultural significance, tea is celebrated for its rich composition of polysaccharides, caffeine, polyphenols, amino acids, and antioxidants, contributing to a variety of health benefits. Herbal teas have also gained popularity, known for their unique blends and health-conscious appeal, often excluding C. sinensis leaves but still packed with minerals and antioxidants.

However, amidst the known advantages, it’s important to acknowledge that teas may also contain pollutants, with fluoride (F) being a primary concern. Tea plants are known to accumulate fluoride from the soil, which is then readily translocated to their leaves. Elevated fluoride concentrations have been documented in teas from various regions, including China, Tibet, Iran, Poland, and Turkey. Even herbal infusions have reported detectable levels of fluoride, raising questions about long-term health implications.

This article explores the fluoride content in different types of teas—traditional and herbal—analyzing potential health risks associated with their consumption. By examining recent research, we aim to provide practical insights to help tea enthusiasts make informed choices that balance enjoyment with health considerations.

What Are the Fluoride Levels in Different Teas?

Steaming cup of tea with fluoride crystals

A recent study investigated fluoride concentrations in 47 popular teas, including traditional and herbal varieties. The findings revealed significant differences in fluoride content:

Herbal teas generally contained the lowest fluoride levels, ranging from 33 to 102 mg/kg, with infusions yielding 0.06 to 0.69 mg/L. Traditional teas, on the other hand, exhibited higher fluoride concentrations, ranging from 296 to 1112 mg/kg, with infusions containing 1.47 to 6.9 mg/L.

Herbal Teas: 33-102 mg/kg (0.06-0.69 mg/L in infusions)
Green Tea: 297-1112 mg/kg (1.47-6.9 mg/L in infusions)
Black Tea: 296-797 mg/kg (1.47-6.9 mg/L in infusions)
Oolong Tea: 393-744 mg/kg (1.47-6.9 mg/L in infusions)

The study also found that the percentage of fluoride released during infusion varied, with 6-96% released from herbal teas and 18-99% from traditional teas. Ten traditional tea samples, including five green teas, showed Chronic Daily Intake (CDI) values exceeding the permissible limits for fluoride intake from all sources. This suggests that while individual cups might not pose immediate harm (hazard quotient <1), cumulative fluoride intake could be a concern.

The Bottom Line

While tea offers numerous health benefits, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential risks associated with fluoride content, especially in traditional teas. By understanding the fluoride levels in your preferred teas and considering your overall fluoride intake from all sources, you can make informed choices that support your health without sacrificing your love for tea. Caution should be exercised when drinking teas containing high F.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.08.083, Alternate LINK

Title: Fluoride Concentrations In Traditional And Herbal Teas: Health Risk Assessment

Subject: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Journal: Environmental Pollution

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: Suchismita Das, Letuzia M. De Oliveira, Evandro Da Silva, Yungen Liu, Lena Q. Ma

Published: 2017-12-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is fluoride in tea, and why should I be concerned about it?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that can be found in varying concentrations in tea leaves, especially in traditional teas derived from the Camellia sinensis plant. The plant accumulates fluoride from the soil, and it ends up in the leaves. Fluoride is important because, while it can offer benefits such as dental health when consumed in small amounts, excessive intake can lead to health risks, including fluorosis, which affects teeth and bones. The implications of fluoride content in tea are that regular tea drinkers, especially those who consume large quantities of traditional teas, need to be aware of their overall fluoride intake from all sources to avoid potential health problems. The fluoride content can vary greatly depending on the type of tea, where it was grown, and how it is processed.

Do different types of tea have varying levels of fluoride?

Herbal teas generally contain lower levels of fluoride compared to traditional teas, such as green tea, black tea, and oolong tea. Studies show that herbal teas range from 33 to 102 mg/kg, while traditional teas can range from 296 to 1112 mg/kg. This difference is significant because individuals looking to minimize their fluoride intake might prefer herbal teas over traditional teas. This variance is due to herbal teas not being derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, which is known for accumulating fluoride. However, it is important to note that even herbal infusions have detectable levels of fluoride, so awareness is still important.

What does Chronic Daily Intake (CDI) mean in relation to fluoride and tea consumption?

Chronic Daily Intake (CDI) is the estimated daily intake of a substance, in this case, fluoride, over a long period. It's calculated to assess the potential health risks associated with continuous exposure to that substance. CDI is important because it helps determine whether the cumulative intake of fluoride from tea and other sources exceeds safe or permissible limits. If the CDI value exceeds the permissible limits, it indicates a potential risk of developing health issues related to excessive fluoride consumption, such as skeletal fluorosis. Hazard Quotient (<1) assesses the risk, with values less than 1 suggesting little to no immediate harm, but cumulative intake can still be a concern.

Does the amount of fluoride released when brewing tea vary?

Yes, the amount of fluoride released during tea infusion can vary significantly. For herbal teas, the release ranges from 6% to 96%, while for traditional teas, it ranges from 18% to 99%. This variation is significant because it affects the actual amount of fluoride a person ingests when drinking tea. Factors influencing fluoride release include the type of tea, the temperature of the water, and the duration of the steeping process. Understanding this variability allows tea drinkers to adjust their brewing methods to potentially reduce fluoride intake, such as using shorter steeping times or cooler water.

How can I reduce my risk of consuming too much fluoride from tea?

To minimize your risk of excessive fluoride intake from tea, consider several strategies. Opt for herbal teas, as they generally contain lower fluoride levels compared to traditional teas. Be mindful of the brewing process; shorter steeping times and cooler water temperatures may reduce the amount of fluoride released during infusion. Vary your tea selections and consider teas from regions known to have lower fluoride levels in the soil. Additionally, be aware of your overall fluoride intake from other sources like toothpaste and fluoridated water to maintain a balanced approach to your health. Awareness of the levels in your tea choice is critical.