Serum Aluminum Level in Infants and its Relation to Type of Feeding

Abstract

It seems important that labeling on the package should include the aluminum content in the various products commonly used as drugs, intravenous solutions infant formulae and commercial cow's milk; whether the aluminum is active or inactive ingredient, stating the possible dangers particularly in nursing infants and in renal msufficiency. Serum aluminum evaluation in clinical practice must be more frequently considered in infants and children from refractory rickets, convulsions or anemia not responding to treatment. Hyperaluminemia is a treatable condition if recognized but may lead to death if no proper intervention is instituted. Premature are at risk for aluminum toxicity due to immaturity of renal and gastrointestinal tract together with blood-brain barner: - Continuous efforts should be made to reduce the aluminum content of all formulae tailored specially for premature infants and all other formulae includmg soy-based formulae. Reduce aluminum content in products that are administered by the parenteral route to its lowest possible levels ( < 25 ;tg/L). Attention should be paid to the aluminum content of the water used in reconstitution of infants formulas together with the type of utensils or the quality of aluminum utensils used for preparation of infants feed. Monitoring serum aluminum of prematures using any of the sources of aluminum even tf their kidneys are not functionally impaired. In patients with renal diseases, particularly renal failure, routine monitoring of serum aluminum levels is mandatory. and every possible effort should be made to reduce aluminum intake including unrecognized sources such as vaccines drugs, IV nuids, special food preparations and formulae known to have high content. Public education about hazards of low quality aluminum utensils used in food preparation, particularly prolonged boiling and cooking acidic foods in alummum cookware, to avoid leachmg of its aluminum content to the food or water. Ensure a safe level of aluminum, in tap water. Levels less than 5 ;tg/L are commended by Ballabriga ct al. (1994). ational programme for encouragement of exclusive breast feeding should be reinforced' and this is an extra evidence of its importance. • A widescale study of serum AI in normal children. in different areas of our country with emphasis to identify the sources leading to high level of serum aluminum, will help to clarify many controversial issues about serum AI levels in egyptian infants and children particularly in abundance of renal problems.