Serum Aluminum Levels in Dialysis Patients

Abstract

Despite the ubiquitousness of aluminum in the environment, serum and blood aluminum levels in healthy non-occupationally exposed individuals are low. This is achieved by gastrointestinal barriers to aluminum absorption and by renal elimination of the metal. In comparison, the patients with chronic renal failure have higher aluminum levels as an effect of oral therapy with aluminum-containing phosphate binders, which result in a higher risk for aluminum-related disorders like osteodystrophy, anemia and encephalopathy by disturbing the normal metabolism (1).