About Aluminum and Alzheimer¡¯s Disease (AD)
Aluminum is a metal that can enter the body through various routes, such as ingestion from food, cookware, antiperspirants, medications, dermal exposure, etc. Regulatory agencies have also allowed for aluminum, particularly in food, water, and pharmaceuticals. Vaccines may also contain aluminum salts as adjuvants to enhance the immune response. An association between aluminum and amyloid-beta has been suggested for more than 40 years now. Earlier studies, looking at post mortem brain tissue from donors diagnosed with AD showed significant accumulations of aluminum. Despite this, the relationship between aluminum exposure and Alzheimer's disease continues to be a topic of research and debate. Other studies suggest that aluminum can exert neurotoxic effects, potentially contributing to oxidative stress, inflammation, and disruption of cellular signaling pathways. Research in animal models have shown that high levels of aluminum exposure can lead to neurobehavioral changes and neurodegeneration. It was also discovered that aluminum-containing injections, administered into the brains of rabbits, caused tangles and fibers of misfolded proteins in the brain. Another study reported higher than normal levels of aluminum in the brains of people who had died with Alzheimer¡¯s disease. The idea that aluminum exposure is involved in the development of Alzheimer¡¯s originates from 1965 and there have been several layers added to this story since.
What is understood is that, once aluminum enters the body, and gets into the bloodstream, the body has a difficult time ridding itself of it and can therefore become trapped in the body tissues to include the brain.
Common Vaccines Containing Aluminum:
iphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP) Vaccine: This combination vaccine may use aluminum salts as adjuvants to boost immunity against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.
Epatitis A Vaccine: Several formulations of the hepatitis A vaccine contain aluminum with the intent of enhancing the immune response.
Hepatitis B Vaccine: Aluminum is also used in various formulations of the hepatitis B vaccine. The intent of this is to improve immunogenicity.
uman Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine: Both Gardasil and Cervarix HPV vaccines contain aluminum.
Eningococcal Conjugate Vaccine.
Inactivated Influenza Vaccine.
Typhoid Vaccine include aluminum as part of its formulation.
Rabies Vaccine: Certain rabies vaccines may utilize aluminum salts to enhance immune response.
ecombinant zoster vaccine (Shingrix) contain aluminum.
Once Aluminum Gets Into The Blood:
Binding to Proteins: In the bloodstream, aluminum can bind to various proteins, rendering that protein useless in more essential body functions.
Stored In Bones: Some aluminum can accumulate in bone tissue, where it may be stored. This is one way the body is able to protect the kidneys from long-term exposure of aluminum. Long term exposure to the kidneys may lead to impaired renal function.
Mechanisms of Toxicity:
Neurotoxicity: Studies suggest that aluminum can exert neurotoxic effects, potentially contributing to oxidative stress, inflammation, and disruption of cellular signaling pathways. However, the mechanisms of aluminum's effects on the nervous system are still being investigated.
Animal Studies: Research in animal models have shown that high levels of aluminum exposure leads to neurobehavioral changes and neurodegeneration. It appears that aluminum fosters the accumulation of amyloid-beta.
How Does The Body Rid Itself Of Aluminum?
As discussed, aluminum may lodge itself in the kidneys, brain or bones which may lead to some degree of toxicity long term. Here are a few ways to manage long term exposure to aluminum:
Chelation Therapy: In cases of aluminum toxicity or excessive accumulation, chelation therapy may be used. Chelating agents are substances that bind to metals in the body and facilitate their excretion. Common chelating agents for aluminum include:
-Deferoxamine: This is primarily used for iron overload but has some efficacy for aluminum as well.
-Citric Acid: Some studies suggest that citric acid may help enhance the excretion of aluminum by increasing urinary aluminum levels.
Some Common Sources of Aluminum in The Diet:
Aluminum metal can be found in numerous household items. Here are some common household items that typically contain aluminum:
Aluminum Foil: Used for cooking, baking, and food storage. Aluminum foil is a thin sheet of aluminum that can easily be molded and is often used to wrap food items. USE: Unbleached parchment paper instead.
Cookware: Many pots, pans, and baking sheets are made from aluminum or have an aluminum core. Anodized aluminum cookware is also popular. USE: Stainless steel, or glass instead.
Cans: Aluminum is commonly used to manufacture beverage cans (such as soda and beer cans) and food cans.
Household Appliances: Some kitchen appliances, such as toasters, mixers, and blenders are made from aluminum.
Furniture: Some lightweight furniture, such as outdoor chairs and tables.
Windows and Doors: Aluminum is often used in the frames of windows.
Foam Insulation: Some types of insulation, particularly in attics or walls.
Batteries: Aluminum is used in certain types of batteries, including some rechargeable batteries and aluminum foil packaging for battery cells.
Personal Care Products: Some cosmetics and personal care items, including antiperspirants, contain aluminum compounds.
Electrical Wiring: Aluminum is used in some electrical wiring and components.
Sports Equipment: Many sports equipment items, such as bike frames, baseball bats, and ski poles, can be made from aluminum.
Toys: Some toys, particularly those that are metal or have aluminum components.
Final Thoughts on Aluminum:
Most major health organizations, including the Alzheimer's Association, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state that there is insufficient evidence to conclude that aluminum exposure is a significant risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. There so many methods of getting aluminum into the body, that it is unclear as to how one could suggest that a person¡¯s aluminum levels are safe. Furthermore, aluminum accumulation in the body has been such a long-time discussion, it seems to border on incompetence that federal agencies have not provided data to deny or prove the lack of correlation. Some experts have even suggested that there would not be any Alzheimer¡¯s disease if there were no aluminum in the brain tissue. ¡°No aluminum, no AD.¡± Yet the governing bodies suggest that there is ¡°insufficient evidence¡± essentially refusing to conduct their own research. Again, there are such volatile discussions around this topic, it would make sense that there should be a formal investigation; if for no other reason but to reaffirm to the public that the government has the public safety as priority one.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The contents of this website are based upon the views of Dr. Walker and his experience. This product is not intended as medical advice nor to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information is likewise not to replace the advice of a qualified health care provider. The information provided herein is intended as a sharing of general knowledge only and is not intended to be, nor is it, medical advice or a substitute for medical advice. That being said, please consult your healthcare provider before using supplements or providing supplements to children under the age of 18. If you have or suspect you have, a specific medical condition or disease, please consult your healthcare provider.
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