Aluminum

Aluminum

What's

Aluminum

Aluminum is a lightweight, silver-colored metal that is commonly found in our everyday environment. It is present in various items we use daily, such as cookware, cans, foil, and even some medications. Our bodies also come into contact with small amounts of aluminum through the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. In general, our bodies can handle and eliminate small amounts of aluminum without any issues. However, it's essential to be aware of our exposure to aluminum, as it can build up in our system over time. By understanding the sources of aluminum and taking steps to minimize exposure, we can help maintain our overall health and well-being.

If Your Levels Are High

High levels of aluminum in the body could indicate an increased exposure to this metal through various sources, such as cookware, cans, foil, certain medications, or environmental factors. Over time, this buildup may lead to potential health concerns, as our bodies may struggle to eliminate the excess aluminum. Some specific factors that could contribute to elevated aluminum levels include antacids containing aluminum, aluminum-based antiperspirants, and certain vaccinations. It's important to be aware of these sources and take steps to minimize exposure to maintain overall health.

Symptoms of High Levels

Symptoms of high levels of Aluminum may include cognitive impairments, memory loss, muscle weakness, bone pain, anemia, speech problems, and altered nervous system function.

If Your Levels are Low

Low levels of aluminum in the body could mean that an individual has limited exposure to this common metal, which is generally a positive thing for overall health. This may be due to a lifestyle that involves using fewer aluminum-containing products, consuming a diet low in aluminum-rich foods, or living in an environment with lower aluminum levels in the air and water. It's also possible that the person's body is efficient at eliminating aluminum, preventing any significant buildup. However, certain medications or medical conditions might also contribute to low aluminum levels, so it's essential to consider all potential factors when interpreting these results.

Symptoms of Low Levels

Symptoms of low levels of aluminum may not be easily noticeable, as it generally indicates limited exposure to the metal, which is beneficial for overall health, and could be due to lifestyle choices, diet, environment, efficient elimination, or certain medications and medical conditions.

Hey practitioners! 👋 Join Dr. Chris Magryta and Dr. Erik Lundquist for a comprehensive 6-week course on evaluating functional medicine labs from two perspectives: adult and pediatric. In this course, you’ll explore the convergence of lab results across different diseases and age groups, understanding how human lab values vary on a continuum influenced by age, genetics, and time. Register Here! Register here.

See References

Test for

Hair Elements by Doctor's Data

Hair

The Hair Elements profile provides information regarding recent and ongoing exposure to several toxic metals and the status of specific nutrient elements. This noninvasive screening test requires only .25 grams of hair.

Urine Toxic Metals - Timed by Doctor's Data

Urine

The Urine Toxic Metals test can be used to evaluate exposure to toxic elements and the efficacy of detoxification therapy. This test uses a timed urine collection. You MUST tell your patients how long you wish them to collect. It is also available as a random or 24-hour collection.

Metals - Toxic + Nutrient Elements - Hair by Mosaic Diagnostics (formerly Great Plains)

Hair

This test is a valuable and inexpensive screen for physiological excess, deficiency, or maldistribution of elements. It provides important information that can assist in the early diagnosis of disorders associated with aberrations in essential and toxic element metabolism.

Urine Toxic Metals - Random/FMV by Doctor's Data

Urine

The Urine Toxic Metals test can be used to evaluate exposure to toxic elements and the efficacy of detoxification therapy. This test uses a random urine collection. It is also available as a timed or 24-hour collection.

Metabolomix+ Add-On: Toxic Element Clearance by Genova Diagnostics

Urine

This test measures urinary excretion of 20 potentially harmful toxic metals. It can only be added to the Metabolomix+. You cannot order this test and the Comprehensive Urine Element Profile add-on. This test cannot be ordered for patients under two years of age.

CONTENTS

What is it?

High Levels

Low Levels

Order, track, and receive results from 30+ labs in one place.