Aluminum is a trace mineral that is only needed in minute amounts by the body.  Large amounts of aluminum appear to be toxic, especially in susceptable individuals.  Even without considering pharmaceutical sources, the typical daily dietary intake of aluminum varies widely, from 3 to 100 mg.    Sources of aluminum include: antiperspirants and underarm deodorants, tap water, aluminum cookware, beverages from aluminum cans, baking powders, bleached flour, processed cheese, some table salts, some antacids, and breathing in dust when sanding with aluminum oxide sandpaper.

Known risk factors for aluminum toxicity are old age and kidney dysfunction.  The symptoms of aluminum toxicity are:

• Muscle weakness
• Bone pain
• Impaired Immunity
• Seizures
• Anemia
• Dementia
• Premature osteoporosis
• Altered mental status
• Growth retardation in children
• Impaired iron absorption

Silicon, another trace mineral, is beieved to protect against aluminum toxicity.