Aluminum (Al) is a light metal (earth metal) that occurs in the body as a trace element.
When there is an excess of aluminum in the body, it can lead to the impairment of various metabolic processes. These include the metabolism of other vital substances (micronutrients) such as magnesium, iron, zinc or calcium. In addition, bone metabolism and the central nervous system may be impaired.
Elevated levels in the blood can lead to hypochromic anemia (anemia), arthritis (inflammation of the joints) and functional disorders of the liver, kidneys and brain (progressive encephalopathy). Furthermore, lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis or pneumoconiosis may occur.
A link between aluminum exposure and the occurrence of Alzheimer’s disease is not yet considered proven.
The process
Material needed
- EDTA blood
Preparation of the patient
- Not necessary
Disruptive factors
- Only special tubes may be used, as the “normal” tubes contain aluminum
Standard values
| Standard value in mg/l | <7 mg/l |
| Toxic values | > 100 mg/l |
| Biol. workplace tolerance value (BAT) | 200 mg/l |
Indications
- Suspected aluminum poisoning
Interpretation
Interpretation of lowered values
- Not relevant to disease
Interpretation of elevated values
- Occupational exposure (e.g. aluminum dusts in bauxite mining) – recognition as occupational disease!
- Drug therapy with aluminum hydroxide (as antacid or antidiarrheal) – in case of impaired renal function.
- In permanent hemodialysis (blood washing) – occurred more frequently in the past.
Other notes
- The tolerable weekly amount (TWI value) is 1 mg of aluminum per kilogram of body weight.