Both selenium and fluorine are minerals that are found in only trace amounts in your body. Since your body only needs small amounts and they are found in both food sources and drinking water, deficiencies are rare. However, if you are worried that you may not be getting enough, you should discuss your concerns with your physician.
Selenium
Your body needs small amounts of selenium to form a number of enzymes called selenoproteins. Selenoproteins primarily act as antioxidants, which help prevent cellular damage by substances called free radicals. Free radicals occur naturally in your body as byproducts of certain processes. They damage tissue and can contribute to the development of chronic disease such as cancer and heart disease. According to the National Institutes of Health, some selenoproteins also help regulate your thyroid and support your immune system.
Fluorine
Fluorine actually occurs in your body as fluoride, a negative ion. Fluoride is a trace element, since there are only a couple grams total in your body -- around 95 percent of which is in your teeth and bones. Fluoride's main function is to help build healthy teeth by increasing the density of the mineral crystals that form your teeth. This also occurs in your bones, but it primarily occurs in your tooth enamel.
Deficiency
A deficiency in selenium -- which occurs rarely among healthy adults -- primarily leads to Keshan disease or Kashin-Beck disease. Keshan disease is an illness in which your heart swells and does not function well. Kashin-Beck disease causes the breakdown of the cartilage that cushions your joints, leading to osteoarthritis. Adults need 55 micrograms of both selenium and fluoride every day. A deficiency in fluoride typically only causes a higher risk of tooth decay; however, this too occurs rarely, since most water available in the United States contains fluoride.
Toxicity
High blood levels of selenium can result in a condition called selenosis; symptoms of this condition include upset stomach, rashes, fatigue and irritability. The Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences has set a tolerable upper intake level for selenium at 400 micrograms per day for adults to prevent the risk of developing selenosis. Toxicity from selenium the United States is rare. You should limit your fluoride intake less than 10 mg daily, or you may begin to display damage to your bones and teeth. Fluoride is toxic if you consume it in excessive amounts and as such, you should keep concentrated fluoride products out of the reach of children. Symptoms acute fluoride toxicity include nausea, abdominal pain and vomiting.
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