Alternaria alternata is one of the most common fungi associated with asthma.

Alternaria alternata is one of the most common fungi associated with asthma.

SOURCES:

Found in virtually all foodand food additives, water, air, and soil. Also found in antacids, antiperspirants, cosmetics, astringents, cans, pots, pans, siding, roofing, and foil.

NUTRIENT INTERACTIONS:

Calcium deficiency, citric acid, and low gut pH causes increased Al absorption. Low iron intake increases Al absorption (rat study). Selenium may be protective against Al. Al reduces phosphorus and fluoride absorption. Al disrupts lipid membrane fluidity, altering Fe, magnesium, and calcium homeostasis, causing oxidative stress.

The major tissue sites of aluminum toxicity are the nervous system, immune system, bone, liver, and red blood cells. Aluminum may also interfere with heme (porphyrin) synthesis.

Urinary aluminum (Al) provides an indication of very recent or ongoing exposure to the potentially toxic metal. Urine accounts for greater than 95% of Al excretion from the body. Compromised renal function increases the risk of Al retention in the very young, elderly and patients with renal disease.

The major tissue sites of aluminum toxicity are the nervous system, immune system, bone, liver, and red blood cells. Aluminum may also interfere with heme (porphyrin) synthesis.

The Minerals & Metals Test by Equi.Life measures aluminum levels in hair, offering insight into the body’s exposure to and excretion of this metal. Aluminum is not naturally required by the human body, and excessive exposure or accumulation can be toxic. Measuring aluminum levels in hair provides a reflection of long-term exposure.

SOURCES:

Found in virtually all food and food additives, water, air, and soil. Also found in antacids, antiperspirants, cosmetics, astringents, cans, pots, pans, siding, roofing, and foil.

The major tissue sites of aluminum toxicity are the nervous system, immune system, bone, liver, and red blood cells. Aluminum may also interfere with heme (porphyrin) synthesis.

The major tissue sites of aluminum toxicity are the nervous system, immune system, bone, liver, and red blood cells. Aluminum may also interfere with heme (porphyrin) synthesis.

The "Aluminum, Plasma/Serum" test measures the level of aluminum in your blood, specifically in the plasma or serum component. Aluminum is the third most abundant element in the Earth's crust and is commonly found in our environment, including water, food, and some consumer products. While it's generally considered non-toxic at low levels, exposure to high levels of aluminum can lead to health issues, especially in individuals with compromised kidney function or those exposed to the metal through occupational hazards, medical treatments, or excessive use of aluminum-containing products.

The major tissue sites of aluminum toxicity are the nervous system, immune system, bone, liver, and red blood cells. Aluminum may also interfere with heme (porphyrin) synthesis. Consequences of aluminum toxicity are encephalopathy and abnormal speech, myoclonic jerks, convulsions, and a predisposition to osteomalacic fractures.

Exposure to aluminum is ubiquitous via food, water, air and soil. Aluminum is used to produce beverage cans, cooking pots, siding, roofing, aluminum foil and airplanes. Further, it is found in antacids, buffered aspirin, food additives (especially in grains and cheeses), astringents, vaccinations, cat litter, antiperspirants, infant formula, and baking soda.

The Aluminum, Urine Test by Labcorp is designed to monitor patients for both prior and ongoing exposure to aluminum. This test is especially important for patients at risk of aluminum toxicity, including:

- Infants on parenteral fluids, particularly those receiving parenteral nutrition

- Burn patients receiving intravenous albumin, especially those with coexisting renal failure

- Adult and pediatric patients with chronic renal failure, as they can accumulate aluminum more readily from medications and dialysate

- Adult patients on parenteral nutrition, although the risk has decreased in recent years

- Individuals with occupational or industrial exposure to aluminum

The Aluminum, Urine 24-Hour Test is a diagnostic tool used to measure the amount of aluminum excreted in urine over a 24-hour period. This test is particularly valuable for assessing aluminum exposure and monitoring individuals at risk of aluminum toxicity. Aluminum, while naturally occurring in the environment, can become toxic when accumulated in the human body at elevated levels. Exposure to high levels of aluminum can occur through various sources, including environmental exposure, industrial settings, medical treatments, and certain medications.

The aluminum/creatinine (Al/Crt) ratio is a critical biomarker used to assess aluminum exposure and potential toxicity, especially in patients who are at risk of accumulating toxic levels of aluminum. This ratio is obtained by measuring the amount of aluminum excreted in the urine relative to creatinine, a waste product that reflects kidney function. By adjusting aluminum levels to creatinine, the test accounts for variations in urine concentration, making it a more accurate marker of aluminum exposure, especially in individuals with impaired renal function.