Aluminum

Products

Aluminum is found in pharmaceuticals (e.g., antacids, acetic alumina solution, vaccines, hyposensitization), cosmetics, personal care products (e.g., antiperspirants, deodorants), sunscreens, food, food additives, medicinal drugs, and drinking water, among others. It is also referred to as aluminum.

Structure and properties

Aluminum is a chemical element with atomic number 13 and is a silvery-white and soft light metal in its pure state. It has a low melting point of 660 °C and, compared with other metals, a low density of only 2.7 g/cm3. Aluminum is a good conductor of heat and electricity. It is the most common metal in the earth’s crust and is found, for example, in alumina and rock. Its name is derived from alumen (alum). Aluminum has three valence electrons and a high affinity for oxygen, with which it rapidly forms oxides. As a result, a passivating layer is formed on the surface. Aluminum dissolves in hydrochloric acid to form aluminum chloride. Aluminum foils, which are known from households, consist of more than 99% of the element. The following salts, among others, are monographed in the pharmacopoeia:

  • Aluminum chloride hexahydrate
  • Hydrous aluminum hydroxide
  • Aluminum potassium sulfate = Alumen
  • Alumina containing water
  • Hydrous aluminum phosphate
  • Aluminum stearate

Aluminum compounds are mainly soluble in the acidic range.

Effects

Aluminum has no known physiological functions and is not one of the minerals and trace elements. It has only a low oral bioavailability – the very largest proportion is therefore excreted again in the stool.

Indications for use

In the form of antacids for the treatment of stomach burns and acid reflux:

  • Aluminum hydroxide
  • Alumina

As a tanning agent, for example, against sweating, insect bites, itching and sunburn:

  • Alum
  • Aluminum chloride
  • Aluminum hydroxychloride
  • Aluminum lactate (pain and inflammation of the mouth and throat).
  • Acetic-tartaric alumina solution

For packaging materials, for example, for blisters, tubes or lids in the pharmaceutical industry. As an adjuvant for vaccines and in subcutaneous immunotherapy. As a pharmaceutical excipient.

Adverse effects

Aluminum is suspected of being involved in the development of disease. It is known to cause adverse effects in the body, especially in high concentrations. For example, it can unleash neurotoxic side effects in the nervous system. With regard to breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, a connection has currently not been proven according to the literature. Apparently, even small amounts can trigger negative effects if they are regularly ingested. It is therefore generally recommended to reduce aluminum exposure. However, this is not easy, as aluminum is present in numerous products today.