Aluminium utensils: Is it a concern?

Aluminium utensils are ubiquitous in Indian households and other developing countries. Concerns have recently been raised on the pathological effects of aluminium on the human body, due to its leaching from utensils with long-term use, which has been associated with certain clinical conditions such as anaemia, dementia and osteo-malacia. While some studies suggest that cooking in utensils or aluminium foils is safe, others suggest that it may lead to toxic levels of aluminium in the body. However, studies have shown that leaching of aluminium from cooking utensils depends on many factors such as pH, temperature and cooking medium. In healthy controls, 0.01 %-1 % of orally ingested aluminium is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and is eliminated by the kidney. Although the metal has a tendency to accumulate in tissues and may result in their dysfunction, the literature suggests that the apprehension is more apt in patients with chronic renal insufficiency. This article offers solutions to mitigate the risk of aluminium toxicity.