What is Aluminum (Al), Urine, Random?
Aluminum is ubiquitous in the environment and diet — present in antacids, antiperspirants, food additives (aluminium silicate, aluminium-containing baking powder), cookware, and municipal drinking water. In individuals with normal renal function, the kidneys efficiently excrete aluminum absorbed from the GI tract, limiting systemic accumulation. Renal impairment substantially increases aluminum retention and toxicity risk, as was documented historically in haemodialysis patients receiving aluminium-containing phosphate binders. Aluminum competes with iron at transferrin binding sites and can be transported to the brain via transferrin receptor-mediated uptake.