Abstract
This study sought to evaluate the in utero exposure to aluminum and status of selected trace elements in South African women at delivery since aluminum is known to be toxic in all developmental stages even at low concentrations. Serum aluminum was negatively correlated with aluminum in urine, both uncorrected and corrected for creatinine, which suggests the retention of aluminum in body stores. Serum copper and zinc levels were found to be high in this study population. Serum copper levels were negatively correlated with aluminum in serum (β = −0.095; p = 0.05). There was a marginal negative correlation between aluminum levels in serum and manganese levels in whole blood (β = −0.087; p = 0.08). Copper levels in maternal serum were negatively correlated with birth weight and the length of neonates. There were a number of positive correlations between maternal characteristics and birth outcomes. Mothers who consumed root vegetables frequently appeared to be protected from aluminum retention and increased body burden since their serum aluminum levels were found to be significantly lower. The findings of the current study can be used as a baseline for further research on aluminum exposure and its associated interactions and outcomes in vulnerable populations.
Highlights
Aluminum (Al) is the third most abundant element in the Earth’s crust
Since there is a scarcity of studies about the association between Al exposure in utero and the status of essential trace elements, the main aim of our study was to evaluate exposure levels to Al in the prenatal stage, which is measured in serum and urine samples from rural populations of South
It is very difficult to postulate if Al levels in serum in this study population are high enough to result in toxicity since, at present, there are no referenced serum Al levels for pregnant women [27]
Summary
Aluminum (Al) is the third most abundant element in the Earth’s crust. Human exposure toAl from various sources is very common and increasing constantly [1]. Aluminum (Al) is the third most abundant element in the Earth’s crust. Even though it has been estimated that, to meet the current global demand for Al, 11 kg of the metal must be produced yearly for every person on Earth, the use and efficiency of extraction by the Al industry cannot match that of the geochemical cycling of the metal since almost half of cast Al is destined to end up as waste [1]. The consequences have already been manifested in the death of fish and trees in acidified surface waters and catchment areas, respectively, as well as limited plant growth on 30% of the Earth’s ice-free land [2,3]. Public Health 2018, 15, 1494; doi:10.3390/ijerph15071494 www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
