1 alpha OH vitamin D3 increases plasma aluminium in haemodialysed patients taking Al (OH)3

1 alpha OH vitamin D3 at the dose of 6 micrograms per week was given for four weeks to 16 stable patients on chronic haemodialysis with a low dialysate aluminium while taking a constant dose of Al(OH)3. A significant increase of their plasma aluminium was observed while on 1 alpha(OH)D3 therapy and during the six weeks following. This increase correlated with the cumulative dose of Al(OH)3 and duration on dialysis but not with the recent dose of Al(OH)3. The increase in plasma aluminium observed with 1 alpha(OH)D3 and after its discontinuation is more likely to be due to aluminium redistribution than to increased intestinal aluminium absorption. This effect indicates the need for close monitoring of plasma aluminium in uraemic patients treated with 1 alpha(OH)D3.