Abstract

FERNANDEZ-MAESTRE, Roberto. Aluminum: Intake, absorption, excretion and toxicity. Rev. costarric. salud pública [online]. 2014, vol.23, n.2, pp.111-116. ISSN 1409-1429.

Objective: To review the toxicity of aluminum, tracking its absorption, deposition in tissues, related pathologies, and excretion. Development: Al toxicity, known only from the 70's, is especially evident in dialysis patients that use high Al content dialysates and peptic ulcer patients who have been treated for a long time with Al hydroxide. Al is responsible for bone and hepatobiliary diseases, and anemia. The harmful effects of Al in the brain are due to inhibition of enzymes and structural deformation of some proteins that cause, among other abnormalities, accumulation of amorphous aluminosilicate plaques in neurons and neurofibrillary tangles that cause fatal encephalopathies if not treated on time. In addition, Al is associated with Alzheimer's disease, lateral amyotrophic sclerosis, Down syndrome, and Parkinson's disease. Conclusion: In normal conditions (normal renal function, balanced food consumption, moderate drug use and water intake with acceptable levels of Al) this metal is not a threat to human health.

Keywords : Aluminum; Toxicity; Osteomalacia; Renal Dialysis; Alzheimer Disease; Parkinson Disease; Down Syndrome.

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