Hygienic assessment of aluminum intake in the adult population of Western Siberia

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In recent decades, research has demonstrated the potential for adverse effects of aluminium on human health. However, there has been a lack of information regarding aluminum intake among different population groups in Western Siberia, thus emphasizing the significance of this study.
 AIM: To estimate aluminum intake by food consumption in the adult population of Western Siberia.
 MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted in 2019–2020 in the Omsk region. Dietary aluminum intake was assessed in 421 adult residents (177 men and 244 women) of the region using a food frequency questionnaire. The sample was similar to the general population of the region in terms of gender, age, and place of residence. The aluminum content in 160 food samples was determined earlier.
 RESULTS: The median daily intake of aluminum was 4.77 mg/day (3.679; 6.118). No differences in the aluminum intake was observed either by age (р=0.619) or by gender (р=0.334). The main dietary sources of aluminum were beverages (48.5%), vegetables (18.4%), and bakery (11.1%). Among single food products the main sources of aluminium were tea (45.5%), bread (6.7%) and cucumbers (5.3%).
 The proportion of aluminum consumed through vegetables tends to increase with age, whereas the opposite trend is observed for confectionery consumption.
 CONCLUSION: The dietary consumption of aluminum among the adult population in the Omsk region did not exceed the permissible levels. There were no variations in aluminum intake between men and women across different age groups. The primary source of aluminum in the diet of the Omsk region population is plant-based food.