Aluminium

Aluminium is a mineral that mainly enters the body through food, water, skin, and medicines. The everyday intake of aluminium levels from diet ranges from 5 to 10 milligrams. All the aluminium consumed is excreted via urine. However, its long-term exposure can cause difficulty in excretion and increased aluminium toxicity. It can accumulate in several tissues, especially in the bones, parathyroid glands, and brain. 

Individuals who work in mine factories or aluminium industries are at high risk of inheriting aluminium toxicity. A few other factors that may lead to aluminium toxicity include:

• When the dialysis process is ineffective in removing the aluminium levels 
• When it is absorbed from oral medications
• Aluminium traces present in the dialysis fluid or water
  
  Under such circumstances, an aluminium blood test is performed to assess aluminium toxicity. An aluminium blood test is also performed routinely to measure the aluminium levels in the blood of an individual suffering from renal failure. The major sites of aluminium accumulation in the body are the brain, kidneys, system, lungs, thyroid, and liver. Aluminium may also interfere with heme synthesis. 
  
  Aluminium levels are detected in calcium, magnesium, and phosphate salts used in parenteral solutions. Smoking cannabis and tobacco can also cause high aluminium levels in lung tissues. In such cases, an individual may experience the replacement of calcium in their bones due to the destruction of regular osteoid formation and mineralisation. 

If you experience symptoms like seizures, bone deformities, speech problems, and delayed growth, you must go for an aluminium blood test. The usual range of aluminium in the body is 0-6ng/mL across all age groups. An increase in this value may cause kidney failure, brain disorders, and respiratory problems. 

In users with aluminum-containing prosthetic implants, the aluminium blood test results show positive results with values higher than 10ng/mL. 

To avoid inaccuracy, you must avoid antacids and exposure to CT scans or MRIs before going for the test. 

At Apollo 24|7, you can opt for the Aluminium Blood Test to check for aluminium concentration in the body. It is recommended for:

• Patients who have experienced kidney failures and are unable to excrete the metal naturally
• Individuals who suffer from anaemia and poor iron absorption
• People who are undergoing regular haemodialysis as a treatment for kidney failure
• People who suffer from hyperparathyroidism due to the accumulation of aluminium in the bones
  
  Medically reviewed by Dr.Sunil Kumar, Nephrologist, Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals, Kolkata.
  
   

Frequently asked questions

What are the symptoms of high aluminium concentration?

If you experience memory loss, muscle weakness, frequent fractures, speech problems, fits, and seizures, then it's best to consult your doctor immediately. They will order the aluminium test for you, and based on the aluminium blood test results, they will recommend the appropriate treatment.

How to prepare for the blood test?

There is no special preparation required before the test. You may inform your physician or healthcare provider about the drugs, vitamins, and supplements you consume. They may control a dose of intravenous deferoxamine before the test. This will help release the bound aluminium from various tissues.

What do the aluminium blood test results mean?

Concentration levels less than 6.0ng/mL are normal in people with no pre-existing history of chronic renal failure. Levels less than 20ng/mL are also normal in patients with a history of chronic renal failure, receiving dialysis. Levels greater than 20ng/mL, indicate a high risk of toxicity. Such levels require urgent care and treatment.

How can aluminium cause health issues?

High exposure to the metal can be hazardous and cause serious health issues such as coughing or abnormal chest x-rays, kidney complications, abnormal functioning of the nervous system, bone diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, etc.

How can the risks of exposure be reduced?

Since aluminium is naturally available in the environment, avoiding exposure to it is impossible. However, you can avoid taking antacids containing large quantities of aluminium-rich food. Ensure that all medications are equipped with child-proof caps so kids may not accidentally eat them.

How can you be exposed to aluminium?

Aluminium is present in almost all things in the environment, such as all food, water, soil, and air. Dusty areas can make you more prone to exposure to aluminium. Eating antacids that contain high levels of aluminium may also lead to high exposure.