From the Guidelines
Aluminum tablets are not recommended for consumption as they can be harmful to the body. Aluminum compounds are sometimes used in medications like aluminum hydroxide for treating acid reflux or as phosphate binders in kidney disease patients, but pure aluminum tablets are not a recognized medical treatment. When aluminum accumulates in the body, it can cause toxicity leading to bone diseases, anemia, and neurological problems including memory impairment and coordination issues. In patients with kidney disease, aluminum toxicity is particularly concerning as the kidneys cannot effectively remove it from the body. The metal can also interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients like calcium, iron, and phosphorus. If you're considering taking aluminum for medicinal purposes, you should instead consult with a healthcare provider who can recommend appropriate treatments for your specific condition. There are safer alternatives for most conditions where aluminum compounds might be considered, and these should be explored first to avoid potential long-term health consequences, as suggested by the guidelines for bone metabolism and disease in chronic kidney disease 1. Some key points to consider include:
- Avoiding the regular administration of aluminum and maintaining dialysate concentration of aluminum at <10 µg/L to prevent aluminum toxicity 1.
- Using aluminum-based phosphate binders only as a short-term therapy (4 weeks) in patients with serum phosphorus levels >7.0 mg/dL (2.26 mmol/L) and considering more frequent dialysis in such cases 1.
- Not giving citrate salts simultaneously to CKD patients ingesting aluminum to avoid increasing aluminum absorption from the intestine 1.
- Monitoring serum aluminum levels at least yearly and every 3 months in those receiving aluminum-containing medications to assess aluminum exposure and the risk of aluminum toxicity 1. It is essential to prioritize the patient's safety and consider the potential risks associated with aluminum toxicity, especially in patients with kidney disease, and to explore safer alternatives for treating conditions where aluminum compounds might be considered.
From the Research
Effects of Aluminum Tablets on the Body
The effects of aluminum tablets on the body can be severe and far-reaching. Some of the key effects include:
- Accumulation of aluminum in the body, which can occur when the gastrointestinal barrier is circumvented, such as during dialysis or intravenous fluid administration 2
- Toxicity to the brain, bones, and other tissues, which can lead to diseases such as dialysis dementia, renal osteodystrophy, and Alzheimer's disease 2, 3
- Damage to red blood cells, parathyroid glands, and chromosomes 2
- Increased risk of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing long-term hemodialysis 4
Sources of Aluminum Exposure
Aluminum exposure can come from a variety of sources, including:
- Medicines containing aluminum, such as aluminum-containing phosphate binding gels 2
- Total parenteral nutrition solutions 2
- Processed human serum albumin 2
- Intravenous fluids in infants 2
- Environmental and industrial sources 2
- Over-the-counter antacids, which are a major source of human aluminum exposure 5
Health Risks Associated with Aluminum Exposure
The health risks associated with aluminum exposure are significant and can include:
- Neurological toxicity, including encephalopathy and dialysis dementia 3, 6
- Bone disease, including osteomalacia and renal osteodystrophy 3, 6
- Anemia, including microcytic, hypochromic anemia 3
- Damage to the heart and lymphocytes 6
- Embryonic and fetal toxic effects in animals and humans after gestational exposure 5