Aluminium toxicity

1. Aluminium Toxicity

Aluminium toxicity refers to the harmful effects of aluminium on the body. Aluminium is a naturally occurring element and is the third most abundant element in the Earth's crust. Despite its abundance, aluminium has no known biological function in humans. However, exposure to high levels of aluminium can lead to toxic effects, particularly affecting the nervous system, bones, and other tissues.

Sources of Exposure

Humans can be exposed to aluminium through various sources, including:

• **Dietary intake**: Aluminium is present in small amounts in many foods, including fruits, vegetables, and grains. It is also used as a food additive in processed foods.
• **Water**: Aluminium can be present in drinking water, especially if it is treated with aluminium-based coagulants.
• **Medications**: Some antacids and buffered aspirin contain aluminium compounds.
• **Vaccines**: Aluminium salts are used as adjuvants in some vaccines to enhance the immune response.
• **Occupational exposure**: Workers in industries such as mining, welding, and manufacturing may be exposed to aluminium dust or fumes.

Mechanism of Toxicity

Aluminium can interfere with a variety of biological processes. It can bind to proteins and nucleic acids, disrupting their normal function. Aluminium can also generate reactive oxygen species, leading to oxidative stress and damage to cells and tissues.

Neurological Effects

Aluminium has been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. It can cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in the brain, where it may contribute to the formation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease.

Skeletal Effects

Chronic exposure to aluminium can lead to bone disorders such as osteomalacia, a condition characterized by the softening of bones. Aluminium can interfere with bone mineralization by competing with calcium and other essential minerals.

Renal Effects

Individuals with impaired kidney function are at higher risk of aluminium toxicity because their ability to excrete aluminium is reduced. This can lead to accumulation of aluminium in the body and exacerbate its toxic effects.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of aluminium toxicity is challenging due to the non-specific nature of its symptoms. Blood tests measuring aluminium levels can be used, but they may not always correlate with tissue levels or clinical symptoms.

Treatment involves reducing exposure to aluminium and using chelating agents such as deferoxamine to enhance the excretion of aluminium from the body.

Prevention

Preventive measures include:

• Reducing the use of aluminium-containing products, such as certain antacids and cookware.
• Ensuring safe levels of aluminium in drinking water.
• Monitoring occupational exposure in industries where aluminium is used.

Also see

• Alzheimer's disease
• Osteomalacia
• Neurotoxicity
• Heavy metal poisoning

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