Plasma Aluminum Measurements in Term Infants Fed Human Milk or a Soy-Based Infant Formula

Abstract

Aluminum is the most abundant metal in the earth's crust. There is a constant environmental exposure to this element because it is ubiquitous. Under usual conditions, dietary aluminum has not been shown to have any deleterious effects because aluminum is poorly absorbed and readily excreted in the urine. However, aluminum may be a health concern in patients with compromised kidney function and those receiving total parenteral nutrition. Aluminum, if retained, results in an increase in the concentration of body aluminum. There has been some recent interest in the exposure of infants to aluminum, especially in those infants with immature or impaired renal function.