aluminiumtoxicitets

Aluminium toxicity refers to adverse health effects resulting from exposure to aluminum, a lightweight metal that is not an essential element for humans. Humans are typically exposed to low levels through food, water, pharmaceuticals and consumer products, but higher exposures can occur occupationally or in people with kidney failure, where aluminum clearance is reduced. The clinical presentation depends on dose, duration and route of exposure.

Major sources include drinking water treated with aluminum salts, food additives and processed foods, aluminum-containing antacids and phosphate binders used in chronic kidney disease, cosmetics such as antiperspirants, and aluminum-containing vaccines as adjuvants. In the general population, gastrointestinal absorption is limited and much of the metal is excreted via the kidneys; however, absorption and retention are higher in individuals with kidney impairment.

Aluminum is distributed in bone, liver, spleen and brain; it crosses the blood-brain barrier slowly and can accumulate in soft tissues. Excretion is mainly renal; impaired renal function leads to accumulation.

Health effects of aluminum toxicity include dialysis-related encephalopathy and bone disease (aluminium osteodystrophy) in patients with kidney failure; additionally, aluminum can interfere with bone mineralization, anemia, and myopathy. The evidence linking aluminum exposure to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease is inconclusive; major health organizations do not consider typical environmental exposures to cause Alzheimer's disease.

Prevention and management focus on reducing exposure and removing sources, especially in individuals with renal impairment. In dialysis, strict water quality standards and chelation therapy and dialysis to remove aluminum can be used. For the general population, guidelines limit aluminum in drinking water and restrict aluminum content in consumer products. When exposure is suspected, clinicians may measure aluminum levels in serum or bone and evaluate renal function.