Effect of aluminum hydroxide on fluoride metabolism

Aluminum inhibits intestinal absorption of fluoride in animals but little information is available about man. To determine whether and to what extent aluminum affects fluoride absorption in man, effects of aluminum hydroxide on fluoride metabolism were studied under controlled dietary conditions. Relatively small amounts of aluminum hydroxide were used (30 ml three times daily, containing a total of 1.8 gm aluminum, were given for several weeks). Fluoride balances were determined in control studies and during the intake of aluminum hydroxide. The fluoride intake was the fluoride content of the diet and the drinking water. Two studies were also carried out on a high-fluoride intake. The use of aluminum hydroxide was associated with an increase in fecal fluoride excretion and a decrease in net absorption of fluoride regardless of the intake fluoride, calcium, phosphorus, or magnesium. Urinary fluoride decreased during aluminum hydroxide ingestion. Our studies show that relatively small amounts of aluminum hydroxide inhibit intestinal absorption of fluoride in man.