Contribution of aluminum from packaging materials and cooking utensils to the daily aluminum intake

Innovative In Vitro Strategy for Assessing Aluminum Bioavailability in Oral Care Cosmetics

Aluminum is an element found in nature and in cosmetic products. It can interfere with the metabolism of other cations, thus inducing gastrointestinal disorder. In cosmetics, aluminum is used in antiperspirants, lipsticks, and toothpastes. The aim of this work is to investigate aluminum bioavailability after accidental oral ingestion derived from the use of a toothpaste containing a greater amount of aluminum hydroxide than advised by the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS). To simulate in vitro toothpaste accidental ingestion, the INFOGEST model was employed, and the amount of aluminum was measured through the ICP-AES analysis. Tissue barrier integrity was analyzed by measuring transepithelial electric resistance, and the tissue architecture was checked through light microscopy. The margin of safety was also calculated. Overall, our results indicate that the acute exposure to aluminum accidentally ingested from toothpastes is safe for the final user, even in amounts higher than SCCS indications.

Influence of Packaging Material on Polyphenol Content and Antioxidant Activity in Some Commercial Beers

Using two methods (ferric reducing antioxidant power and radical scavenging activity), the total polyphenol content (Folin–Ciocalteu reagent) and polyphenol patterns (HPLC) in 10 commercial lager beer brands produced in Romania was determined. Samples bottled in glass, plastic and aluminium packages were analysed for each brand when available. Results have indicated considerable variations in the total and individual phenolic contents as well as antioxidant activity across beer brands. Gallic and feulic acids were the dominant phenolic compounds identified samples. The statistical analysis indicates a significant difference between the levels of antioxidant activity detected using DPPH and FRAP, for all three types of material considered. The statistical test ANOVA indicates that the polyphenol concentration is similar across all types of material.

Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Effects of Caffeine against Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease: Insight into the Role of Nrf-2 and A2AR Signaling

This paper reviews the results of studies conducted on the role of caffeine in the management of different neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). To highlight the potential role of caffeine in managing different neurodegenerative diseases, we identified studies by searching PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar by scrutinizing the lists of pertinent publications. According to the collected overall findings, caffeine may reduce the elevated oxidative stress; inhibit the activation of adenosine A2A, thereby regulating the accumulation of Aβ; reduce the hyperphosphorylation of tau; and reduce the accumulation of misfolded proteins, such as α-synuclein, in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The studies have suggested that caffeine has promising protective effects against different neurodegenerative diseases and that these effects may be used to tackle the neurological diseases and/or their consequences. Here, we review the ongoing research on the role of caffeine in the management of different neurodegenerative disorders, focusing on AD and PD. The current findings suggest that caffeine produces potent antioxidant, inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects against different models of neurodegenerative disease, including AD, PD, and other neurodegenerative disorders. Caffeine has shown strong antagonistic effects against the adenosine A2A receptor, which is a microglial receptor, and strong agonistic effects against nuclear-related factor-2 (Nrf-2), thereby regulating the cellular homeostasis at the brain by reducing oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, regulating the accumulation of α-synuclein in PD and tau hyperphosphorylation, amyloidogenesis, and synaptic deficits in AD, which are the cardinal features of these neurodegenerative diseases.

Aluminum in Coffee

This study investigated the aluminum content in one of the most consumed daily beverages: coffee. The total Al concentration in 10 different samples of coffee beans and their water-extractable fraction were determined. We then tested the influence of different brewing methods on the concentration of the extracted Al in the final beverage. Metal analyses were performed using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GF-AAS) after microwave-assisted acid digestion. The results showed highly variable Al contents in coffee beans (1.5-15.5 mg kg^-1), of which ∼2-10% were water-extractable. The brewing technique had a major influence on the Al content in the beverage: significantly higher Al concentrations (72.57 ± 23.96 μg L^-1) occurred in coffee brewed in an aluminum moka pot. Interestingly, using ground coffee with this method even reduced the Al content in the final beverage compared to the brewing water used. Coffee brewed from Al capsules did not contain significantly higher Al concentrations compared to other methods.

Aluminum and tin: Food contamination and dietary intake in an Italian population

Aluminum and tin are ubiquitous in the environment. In normal biological systems, however, they are present only in trace amounts and have no recognized biological functions in humans. High exposure to these metals can result in adverse health effects such as neurodegenerative diseases. In non-occupationally exposed subjects, diet is the primary source of exposure. In this study, we aimed at estimating dietary aluminum and tin intake in an Italian adult population. We measured aluminum and tin concentrations through inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry in 908 food samples. We also estimated dietary intake of these two metals, by using a validated semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire administered to 719 subjects (319 men and 400 women) recruited from the general population of the Emilia Romagna region, Northern Italy. We found the highest aluminum levels in legumes, sweets, and cereals, while the highest tin levels were in sweets, meat and seafood. The estimated median daily dietary intake of aluminum was 4.1 mg/day (Interquartile range - IQR: 3.3-5.2), with a major contribution from beverages (28.6%), cereals (16.9%), and leafy vegetables (15.2%). As for tin, we estimated a median intake of 66.8 μg/day (IQR: 46.7-93.7), with a major contribution from vegetables (mainly tomatoes) (24.9%), fruit (15.5%), aged cheese (12.2%), and processed meat (10.4%). This study provides an updated estimate of the dietary intake of aluminum and tin in a Northern-Italy adult population, based on data from a validated food-frequency questionnaire. The intake determined for this population does not exceed the established thresholds of tolerable intake.

Review of factors impacting emission/concentration of cooking generated particulate matter

Studies have shown that exposure to particulate matter (PM) emitted while cooking is related to adverse human health effects. The level of PM emissions during cooking varies with several factors. This study reviewed controlled studies available in the cooking PM emissions literature, and found that cooking method, type and quality of the energy (heating) source, burner size, cooking pan, cooking oil, food, additives, source surface area, cooking temperature, ventilation and position of the cooking pan on the stove are influential factors affecting cooking PM emission rates and resulting concentrations. Opportunities to reduce indoor PM concentrations during cooking are proposed. Minor changes in cooking habits and manner might result in a substantial reduction in the cook's exposure to the cooking PM. Finally, the need for additional studies is discussed.

Size segregated PM and its chemical composition emitted from heated corn oil

Characterization of the airborne particulate matter (PM) emitted from cooking components including cooking oil, and additives like salt has not been carefully investigated. This study provides new data on the concentration, composition, and emission rates/fluxes of PM (less than 3.3µm) generated during heating corn oil and corn oil with added table salt. The concept of emission flux was employed to estimate the emission rates in this study. A statistically significant reduction of 47.6% (P<0.05) in the total PM emission rate and emission flux were observed when salt was added to the heated corn oil (5.15×10¹mgmin^-1) compared to the pure oil (9.83×10¹mgmin^-1). The OC emission rate decreased 61.3% (P<0.05) when salt was added to the corn oil (2.35×10¹mgmin^-1) compared to the pure corn oil (5.83×10¹mgmin^-1). With the salt, the total EC emission rate was 6.99×10^-1mgmin^-1, a 62.7% reduction in EC emission compared to pure corn oil (1.88mgmin^-1). These results suggest that table salt can be added to the corn oil prior to frying to reduce exposure to cooking generated PM.

The relationship between plasma aluminum content, lymphocyte DNA damage, and oxidative status in persons using aluminum containers and utensils daily

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to explore the in vivo effect of the plasma aluminum content on lymphocyte DNA damage, the plasma protein carbonyl (PC) content, and malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidative capacity (TAC) levels in aluminum exposed and non-exposed humans.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Peripheral blood samples were collected from in vivo aluminum exposed and non-exposed humans and the above parameters were measured.

RESULTS

The mean values of lymphocyte DNA damage, plasma MDA, PC levels, and aluminum concentrations were found to be significantly higher in the aluminum exposed group than within the control group (p<0.01). On the other hand, plasma TAC levels were found to be significantly lower in the aluminum exposed group than in the control group (p<0.001). Significant positive correlations were found to exist between lymphocyte DNA damage and the aluminum concentration (r=0.643, p<0.001), DNA damage and MDA (r=0.491, p<0.001), and DNA damage and PC (r=0.548, p<0.01). A negative correlation was found between TAC and DNA damage (r=-0.600 p<0.001) in the aluminum exposed group.

CONCLUSION

Findings from the study revealed that an increased plasma aluminum concentration was associated with increased oxidative stress and increased DNA damage in aluminum exposed humans.

Aluminum Toxicity Following IV Use of Oral Methadone Solution

BACKGROUND

Aluminum toxicity has been reported in renal failure patients exposed to aluminum-contaminated dialysate and oral phosphate binders. We report a case of significant aluminum toxicity in a non-hemodialysis patient.

CASE REPORT

A 43-year-old male IV drug user presented to the hospital with a seizure disorder of recent onset, progressive cognitive decline, ataxia, and dysarthria. The serum aluminum concentration was 180 micrograms/L (6.65 micromol/L). For 3 to 4 years prior, the patient had injected 'cooked' oral methadone. The methadone solution was heated in an aluminum pot to reduce the volume and then injected intravenously (IV). He was treated with IV deferoxamine over 9 months until he failed to return. Serum aluminum level after 9 months of treatment was 64.5 microgram/L (2.39 micromol/L). Neurological symptoms were partially improved.

CONCLUSION

Chronic IV injection of oral methadone solution heated in an aluminum-based cooking utensil may result in significant aluminum toxicity.

New broom fiber (Spartium junceum L.) derivatives: preparation and characterization

In the past decade interest in biopolymers has increased. Attempts were made to prepare new composite systems from biopolymers by binding different synthetic polymers to a biopolymer backbone. This paper reports the synthesis and characterization of derivatized broom fibers to prepare composites with either degradability or fireproofing properties. Synthetic strategies are described for the introduction of polymerizable functional groups or fluorine atoms on the glucose of cellulose chains of broom. The fibers containing polymerizable groups were copolymerized with dimethylacrylamide and styrene and, after that, investigated by optical polarizing microscopy (OPM) and scanning electron microscopy analysis (SEM). The materials containing fluorine were submitted to thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) for the purpose of verifying the fireproofing. Such derivatized biomaterials could be successfully used for applications in agriculture and in the packaging area.

Migration of Substances from Food Packaging Materials to Foods

The employment of novel food packaging materials has increased the number of occurring hazards due to the migration from packaging material to the packaged food. Although polymers have mainly monopolized the interest of migration testing and experimentation, recent studies have revealed that migration also occurs from "traditional" materials generally considered to be safe, such as paper, carton, wood, ceramic, and metal. The regulations and the directives of the EU tend to become stricter in this respect. The emphasis is on reaching a consensus in terms of food simulants and testing conditions for migration studies. Furthermore, the list of hazardous monomers, oligomers, and additives continues to augment in order to ensure that the consumer safety is in current agreement with the HACCP, which is continuously gaining ground.

Aluminum exposure and metabolism

Aluminum (Al) is a nonessential, toxic metal to which humans are frequently exposed. Oral exposure to aluminum occurs through ingestion of aluminum-containing pharmaceuticals and to a lesser extent foods and water. Parenteral exposure to aluminum can occur via contaminated total parenteral nutrition (TPN), intravenous (i.v.) solutions, or contaminated dialysates. Inhalation exposure may be important in some occupational settings. The gut is the most effective organ in preventing tissue aluminum accumulation after oral exposure. Typically gastrointestinal absorption of aluminum from diets is < 1%. Although the mechanisms of aluminum absorption have not been elucidated, both passive and active transcellular processes and paracellular transport are believed to occur. Aluminum and calcium may share some absorptive pathways. Aluminum absorption is also affected by the speciation of aluminum and a variety of other substances, including citrate, in the gut milieu. Not all absorbed or parenterally delivered aluminum is excreted in urine. Low glomerular filtration of aluminum reflects that most aluminum in plasma is nonfiltrable because of complexation to proteins, predominantly transferrin. The importance of biliary secretion of aluminum is debatable and the mechanism(s) is poorly understood and appears to be saturable by fairly low oral doses of aluminum.

Aluminum utensils contribute to aluminum accumulation in patients with renal disease

Presently, aluminum utensils are widely used in the world, especially in the developing countries. However, whether aluminum leaching from such utensils contributes to aluminum accumulation or causes any damage in patients with renal disease remains unknown. We designed a prospective study to evaluate this problem. After excluding patients who were not examined at follow-up or who poorly complied during the study period, the opened randomized study consisted of 42 patients with chronic renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance <60 mL/min and >10 mL/min). All patients had not taken any aluminum-containing agents for 3 months, but used aluminum kitchen utensils for more than 1 year. Twelve patients comprised the control group; the other 30 patients comprised the study group. The aluminum kitchen utensils used by the study group patients were replaced with stainless steel utensils for 3 months, but those used by the control group were not. After 3 months, the decrements of serum aluminum (5.5 +/- 4.6 microg/L v 2.1 +/- 3.5 microg/L; P = 0.012) and daily urine aluminum excretion (14.3 +/- 15.2 microg/d v 2.1 +/- 5.6 microg/d; P = 0.005) in the study group patients were greater than those in the control group patients. The increments of transferrin saturation of the study group patients (1.8% +/- 9.5% v -3.7% +/- 9.5%; P = 0.052) were greater than those of the control group patients. In addition, the increments of iron (r = 0.368, P = 0.035) and transferrin saturation (r = 0.345, P = 0.049) positively correlated with the decrements of daily aluminum excretion in all patients. The study group patients with greater decrements of serum aluminum (>5.5 microg/L) had greater serum iron levels (90.2 +/- 27.7 microg/dL v 71.9 +/- 27.8 microg/dL; P = 0.047) and transferrin saturation (30.5% +/- 11.0% v 23.0% +/- 9.5%; P = 0.046) than those with less decrements of serum aluminum (<5.5 microg/L) after the study. Our study demonstrates that aluminum kitchen utensils may be the important aluminum exposure source for patients with chronic renal insufficiency who are not taking aluminum-containing agents, and hints that the long-term exposure of aluminum leaching from aluminum utensils probably affects iron levels in patients with chronic renal insufficiency. Further studies are clearly needed to confirm this observation.

Corrosion of aluminium in soft drinks

The corrosion of aluminium (Al) in several brands of soft drinks (cola- and citrate-based drinks) has been studied, using an electrochemical method, namely potentiodynamic polarization. The results show that the corrosion of Al in soft drinks is a very slow, time-dependent and complex process, strongly influenced by the passivation, complexation and adsorption processes. The corrosion of Al in these drinks occurs principally due to the presence of acids: citric acid in citrate-based drinks and orthophosphoric acid in cola-based drinks. The corrosion rate of Al rose with an increase in the acidity of soft drinks, i.e. with increase of the content of total acids. The corrosion rates are much higher in the cola-based drinks than those in citrate-based drinks, due to the facts that: (1) orthophosphoric acid is more corrosive to Al than is citric acid, (2) a quite different passive oxide layer (with different properties) is formed on Al, depending on whether the drink is cola or citrate based. The method of potentiodynamic polarization was shown as being very suitable for the study of corrosion of Al in soft drinks, especially if it is combined with some non-electrochemical method, e.g. graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS).

Aluminum levels in human milk

Aluminium levels in human milk in the winter period of 1992/93 ranged from 0.004 mg/l to 2.67 mg/l and the mean value was 0.38 mg/l. The nursing women were divided into several groups according to the results of a questionnaire, i.e. according to their social status (if they were refugees or not), number of deliveries, post partum day, the weight they put on during pregnancy, their age, and smoking habits. The mean levels of aluminium for each group were presented. The measurement of aluminium was done by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry.