What we know and what we need to know about developmental aluminum toxicity

Information concerning developmental aluminum (Al) toxicity is available from clinical studies and from animal testing. An Al toxicity syndrome including encephalopathy, osteomalacia, and anemia has been reported in uremic children receiving dialysis. In addition, some components of the syndrome, particularly osteomalacia, have been reported in non-dialyzed uremic children receiving Al-based phosphate binders, nonuremic infants receiving parenteral nutrition with Al-containing fluids, and nonuremic infants given high doses of Al antacids. The number of children in clinical populations that are at risk of Al toxicity is not known and needs to be determined. Work in animal models (rats, mice, and rabbits) demonstrates that Al is distributed transplacentally and is present in milk. Oral Al administration during pregnancy produces a syndrome including growth retardation, delayed ossification, and malformations at doses that also lead to reduced maternal weight gain. The severity of the effects is highly dependent on the form of Al administered. In the postnatal period, reduced pup weight gain and effects on neuromotor development have been described as a result of developmental exposures. The significance of these findings for human health requires better understanding of the amount and bioavailability of Al in food, drinking water, and medications and from sources unique to infants and children such as breast milk, soil ingestion, and medications used specifically by pregnant women and children. We also need a better understanding of the unique biological actions of Al that may occur during developmental periods, and unique aspects of the developing organism that make it more or less susceptible to Al toxicity.