I read and evaluated this report in 2002. The WHO has since moved or deleted the document. I'm not a medical professional, this page is my opinion of what the report says.



The report is a collection of studies conducted and/or reported on by the WHO. Aluminum is common in our environment in the form of cookware, foil, foods, antacids, drinking water and personal care products. Many people are exposed daily. Aluminum absorption rates are relatively low, but they are cumulative and may increase when you add citric acid (like in oranges) and vary by the chemical makeup of the aluminum compound.

From report:

Read Full Report (The report has been moved. I'm unable to find a new link.)

"Aluminium, once absorbed, is distributed in most organs within the body, with accumulation occurring mainly in bone at high dose levels. To a limited...extent, aluminium passes the blood–brain barrier and is also distributed to the fetus."

5.4 Reproductive and developmental toxicity

Comments:

One study gave Aluminum Nitrate to pregnant rats and found the "growth of offspring was significantly delayed". In another study using dogs slower growth was also seen in the pups.

Some studies were done to see if aluminum might have more effect when given with citric acid: (note-- citric acid may enhance absorption)

"aluminium hydroxide at a dose of 133 mg of aluminium per kg of body weight per day administered with citric acid produced maternal and fetal toxicity in rats (Gomez et al., 1991)."

Another study that gave aluminum products using lactic acid to increase absorption rather than citric acid found that while aluminum hydroxide in this case was not toxic, aluminum lactate was:

"aluminium lactate (57 mg of aluminium per kg of body weight) produced developmental toxicity, including poor ossification, skeletal variations, and cleft palate (Colomina et al., 1992)."

It seems that it would be wise to minimize contact with aluminum whenever possible, especially if you are pregnant.

5.7 Neurotoxicity

Comments:

Aluminum chlorides are often found in antiperspirants. The following was found to be true with both rats and mice in high doses.

"Behavioural impairment has been reported in laboratory animals exposed to soluble aluminium salts (e.g. lactate, chloride) in the diet or drinking-water"

Also:

"Although significant alterations in acquisition and retention of learned behaviour were documented, the possible role of organ damage (kidney, liver, immunological) due to aluminium was incompletely evaluated in these studies (WHO, 1997)."

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