Aluminum toxicity in humans

A majority of aluminum in plasma is bound to transferring. A smaller fraction of aluminum is probably complexed with citrate.

The average amount of aluminum in the human body is 65 milligrams but can range from 50 150 milligrams. 

The average person absorbs anywhere from 10 to 100 milligrams of aluminum every day through aluminum cookware, baking soda, antacids and numerous other sources.

Aluminum toxicity can lead to a number of ailments including constipation, colic, loss appetite, nausea, skin ailments, twitching of leg muscles, excessive perspiration and loss of energy.

Other symptoms: rickets, poor calcium metabolism, extreme nervousness, anemia, memory loss, softening and weakness of the bones and aching muscle.

The target organs for aluminum toxicity are primary the lungs, bones and the central nervous system.

Bone loss and increased intestinal absorption of aluminum and silicon combine to form compounds that accumulate in the cerebral cortex of the brain.

These compounds prevent impulses from being carried to or from the brain. Although cause of Alzheimer’s disease remains unclear, research indicates that aluminum toxicity may be one of the primary culprits.
Aluminum toxicity in humans

Aluminum in human body

Largely as a result of the insolubility of most aluminum compounds, this element is normally poorly absorbed through the lungs, skin and gastrointestinal tract.

Most aluminum is food passes through the gut without being absorbed. Absorption is prevented by the presence of silicon, appears to be encouraged by citric acid since this forms a soluble compound with aluminum.

Aluminum is added to food as a firming agent, a leavening agent, emulsifier and stabilizer and to control pH.

Aluminum sulfate and alums are commonly used to treat municipal water supplies which have a high colloidal or suspended natter content.

The total aluminum concentration in the human body is 9 ppm (dry mass). In some organs, specifically spleen, kidneys and lung concentration up to 100 ppm (dry mass) may exist.

Increased aluminum may also cause osteomalacia. It is also believed that aluminum could play a role in the cause of leukemia, and some cancer.

There is also a debate as to whether aluminum is a causative agent of some forms of Alzheimer’s disease.

Aluminum in human body