Aluminum

I.  Physiological function

1. Several biological functions for A1 have been suggested from indirect evidence but A1 has not been proven essential for animals.

II.  Dietary sources

1. A1 cooking utensils and beverage cans
2. Ingested soil
3. Plants grown in wet, low-oxygen soil take up increased amounts of Al

III.  Toxicity of A1

1. Chronic A1 excess results in secondary P deficiency
   1. Reduced P absorption and reduced serum P
   2. Lower bone ash content
   3. Disturbances in carbohydrate and P metabolism (reduced ATP: ADP ratio)
   4. Reduced working capacity
2. High A1 content of forage may contribute to hypomagnesemic tetany
3. Involved in Alzheimer disease?

Aluminum — Al (atomic number 13)

Not a nutrient. Common in soil, cookware, and some additives. The job is to limit extra load, not to supplement it.

Vitamins, Major Elements, Trace Elements, Toxic Elements

Vitamins

Vitamin A	Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)	Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)	Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)	Vitamin B6	Vitamin B12	Vitamin C
Vitamin D	Vitamin E	Vitamin K	Biotin
Folic Acid

Major Elements

Calcium	Magnesium	Phosphorus	Sodium, Potassium, Chloride
Sulfur (Sulfer)

Trace Elements

Boron	Chromium	Cobalt	Copper
Fluorine	Iodine	Iron	Manganese
Molybdenum	Nickel (Nickle)	Selenium	Silicon
Tin	Vanadium	Zinc	Ultra Trace

Toxic Elements

Aluminum	Arsenic	Cadmium	Lead
Mercury