Research in Medicine

Aluminum is a nonessential metal to which humans are frequently exposed. A small amount of the metal is present in diet and it is poorly absorbed through the GI tract. To our knowledge, no reports on dietary toxicity exist in the literature however, excessive intake may cause adverse effects. In the recent years, its hazardous effects have been under investigation. Toxic effects on behavior, erythropoiesis, nervous system, and endocrine hormones, as well as calcium metabolism have been observed in experimental models. In addition, effects of Aluminum on memory, endocrine glands, reproduction, gastric secretion, immune system and hematopoeisis have been studied. In this review article, some of these studies are reviewed, discussed and compared. Although aluminum is considered to be a nonessential element, since its safety range has not been determined yet, special attention should be paid to individuals who are at risk.