Aluminum bioavailability from basic sodium aluminum phosphate, an approved food additive emulsifying agent, incorporated in cheese

Oral aluminum (Al) bioavailability from drinking water has been previously estimated, but there is little information on Al bioavailability from foods. It was suggested that oral Al bioavailability from drinking water is much greater than from foods. The objective was to further test this hypothesis. Oral Al bioavailability was determined in the rat from basic [26Al]-sodium aluminum phosphate (basic SALP) in a process cheese. Consumption of approximately 1g cheese containing 1.5% or 3% basic SALP resulted in oral Al bioavailability (F) of approximately 0.1% and 0.3%, respectively, and time to maximum serum 26Al concentration (Tmax) of 8-9h. These Al bioavailability results were intermediate to previously reported results from drinking water (F approximately 0.3%) and acidic-SALP incorporated into a biscuit (F approximately 0.1%), using the same methods. Considering the similar oral bioavailability of Al from food vs. water, and their contribution to the typical human's daily Al intake ( approximately 95% and 1.5%, respectively), these results suggest food contributes much more Al to systemic circulation, and potential Al body burden, than does drinking water. These results do not support the hypothesis that drinking water provides a disproportionate contribution to total Al absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.

Blood-brain barrier flux of aluminum, manganese, iron and other metals suspected to contribute to metal-induced neurodegeneration

The etiology of many neurodegenerative diseases has been only partly attributed to acquired traits, suggesting environmental factors may also contribute. Metal dyshomeostasis causes or has been implicated in many neurodegenerative diseases. Metal flux across the blood-brain barrier (the primary route of brain metal uptake) and the choroid plexuses as well as sensory nerve metal uptake from the nasal cavity are reviewed. Transporters that have been described at the blood-brain barrier are listed to illustrate the extensive possibilities for moving substances into and out of the brain. The controversial role of aluminum in Alzheimer's disease, evidence suggesting brain aluminum uptake by transferrin-receptor mediated endocytosis and of aluminum citrate by system Xc;{-} and an organic anion transporter, and results suggesting transporter-mediated aluminum brain efflux are reviewed. The ability of manganese to produce a parkinsonism-like syndrome, evidence suggesting manganese uptake by transferrin- and non-transferrin-dependent mechanisms which may include store-operated calcium channels, and the lack of transporter-mediated manganese brain efflux, are discussed. The evidence for transferrin-dependent and independent mechanisms of brain iron uptake is presented. The copper transporters, ATP7A and ATP7B, and their roles in Menkes and Wilson's diseases, are summarized. Brain zinc uptake is facilitated by L- and D-histidine, but a transporter, if involved, has not been identified. Brain lead uptake may involve a non-energy-dependent process, store-operated calcium channels, and/or an ATP-dependent calcium pump. Methyl mercury can form a complex with L-cysteine that mimics methionine, enabling its transport by the L system. The putative roles of zinc transporters, ZnT and Zip, in regulating brain zinc are discussed. Although brain uptake mechanisms for some metals have been identified, metal efflux from the brain has received little attention, preventing integration of all processes that contribute to brain metal concentrations.

The speciation of metals in mammals influences their toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics and therefore human health risk assessment

Chemical form (i.e., species) can influence metal toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics and should be considered to improve human health risk assessment. Factors that influence metal speciation (and examples) include: (1) carrier-mediated processes for specific metal species (arsenic, chromium, lead and manganese), (2) valence state (arsenic, chromium, manganese and mercury), (3) particle size (lead and manganese), (4) the nature of metal binding ligands (aluminum, arsenic, chromium, lead, and manganese), (5) whether the metal is an organic versus inorganic species (arsenic, lead, and mercury), and (6) biotransformation of metal species (aluminum, arsenic, chromium, lead, manganese and mercury). The influence of speciation on metal toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics in mammals, and therefore the adverse effects of metals, is reviewed to illustrate how the physicochemical characteristics of metals and their handling in the body (toxicokinetics) can influence toxicity (toxicodynamics). Generalizing from mercury, arsenic, lead, aluminum, chromium, and manganese, it is clear that metal speciation influences mammalian toxicity. Methods used in aquatic toxicology to predict the interaction among metal speciation, uptake, and toxicity are evaluated. A classification system is presented to show that the chemical nature of the metal can predict metal ion toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics. Essential metals, such as iron, are considered. These metals produce low oral toxicity under most exposure conditions but become toxic when biological processes that utilize or transport them are overwhelmed, or bypassed. Risk assessments for essential and nonessential metals should consider toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic factors in setting exposure standards. Because speciation can influence a metal's fate and toxicity, different exposure standards should be established for different metal species. Many examples are provided which consider metal essentiality and toxicity and that illustrate how consideration of metal speciation can improve the risk assessment process. More examples are available at a website established as a repository for summaries of the literature on how the speciation of metals affects their toxicokinetics.

The Chemical Species of Aluminum Influences Its Paracellular Flux across and Uptake into Caco-2 Cells, a Model of Gastrointestinal Absorption

Aluminum (Al) can cause neurotoxicity, a low-turnover osteomalacia, and microcytic anemia. To test the null hypothesis that the chemical form (species) of Al does not influence its mechanism or rate of absorption from the gastrointestinal tract, Al flux across and uptake into Caco-2 cells was investigated. Caco-2 cells were grown on porous membranes mounted in vertical diffusion chambers or in 35-mm-diameter plastic cell culture dishes. When 8 mM 27Al was introduced as the ion, citrate, maltolate, fluoride, or hydroxide, the apical to basolateral apparent permeability (Papp) of Al correlated highly with the Papp of lucifer yellow (LY), a paracellular marker, except when introduced as Al hydroxide. The uptake rate of Al when introduced as the fluoride was > when introduced as the ion > maltolate > citrate > hydroxide. The activation energy of Al introduced as the ion, citrate, maltolate, and fluoride, determined from Arrhenius plots, was 13-22 KJ/mol, suggesting diffusion-mediated uptake. With exposure to 2 microM Al (containing 26Al as a tracer) introduced as the ion, hydroxide, citrate, and fluoride, Al and LY Papp were consistent with results obtained with 8 mM Al, but were not Al species dependent. Approximately 0.015% of the 26Al fluxed across the cell monolayer; 0.75% was associated with cells. Lumogallion staining imaged by confocal laser microscopy showed Al co-localized with DAPI in the nucleus. The results suggest that (1) soluble Al species predominantly diffuse through the paracellular pathway, (2) the ligand-dependent flux rate of Al is due to an effect on the tight junctions, (3) Caco-2 cell uptake of Al is a diffusion process, and (4) the ligand can influence the rate of cellular Al uptake.

Aluminium content of some foods and food products in the USA, with aluminium food additives

The primary objective was to determine the aluminium (Al) content of selected foods and food products in the USA which contain Al as an approved food additive. Intake of Al from the labeled serving size of each food product was calculated. The samples were acid or base digested and analysed for Al using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. Quality control (QC) samples, with matrices matching the samples, were generated and used to verify the Al determinations. Food product Al content ranged from <1-27,000 mg kg(-1). Cheese in a serving of frozen pizzas had up to 14 mg of Al, from basic sodium aluminium phosphate; whereas the same amount of cheese in a ready-to-eat restaurant pizza provided 0.03-0.09 mg. Many single serving packets of non-dairy creamer had approximately 50-600 mg Al kg(-1) as sodium aluminosilicate, providing up to 1.5 mg Al per serving. Many single serving packets of salt also had sodium aluminosilicate as an additive, but the Al content was less than in single-serving non-dairy creamer packets. Acidic sodium aluminium phosphate was present in many food products, pancakes and waffles. Baking powder, some pancake/waffle mixes and frozen products, and ready-to-eat pancakes provided the most Al of the foods tested; up to 180 mg/serving. Many products provide a significant amount of Al compared to the typical intake of 3-12 mg/day reported from dietary Al studies conducted in many countries.

Manganese distribution across the blood-brain barrier. IV. Evidence for brain influx through store-operated calcium channels

Manganese (Mn) is a required co-factor for many ubiquitous enzymes; however, chronic Mn overexposure can cause manganism, a parkinsonian-like syndrome. Previous studies showed Mn influx into brain is carrier-mediated, though the putative carrier(s) were not established. Studies conducted with cultured bovine brain microvascular endothelial cells (bBMECs), which comprise the blood-brain barrier, revealed (54)Mn (II) uptake positively correlated with pH, was temperature-dependent, and was sodium- and energy-independent. Brain (54)Mn uptake correlated inversely with calcium (Ca) concentration, but (45)Ca uptake was unaltered by high Mn concentration. Lanthanum (La), a non-selective inhibitor of several Ca channel types, as well as verapamil and amiloride, inhibitors of voltage-operated Ca channels, failed to inhibit Mn uptake into cells. Nickel (Ni), another non-selective inhibitor of several Ca channel types, inhibited Mn and Ca uptake into cells by 88 and 85%, respectively. Cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) and thapsigargin, which activate store-operated calcium channels (SOCCs), increased (54)Mn and (45)Ca uptake into cultured bBMECs. In situ brain perfusion studies were conducted in adult, male Sprague-Dawley rats to verify the cell culture results. Both nickel and verapamil produced a non-significant decrease in Mn and Ca influx. Lanthanum significantly increased Mn influx to 675 and 450% of control in parietal cortex and caudate, respectively, while producing no significant effect on Ca influx. Vanadate, which inhibits Ca-ATPase, inhibited Mn uptake into cultured blood-brain barrier cells, but not into perfused rat brain. Overall these results suggest that both Ca-dependent and Ca-independent mechanisms play a role in brain Mn influx. This work provides evidence that store-operated Ca channels, as well as another mechanism at the blood-brain barrier, likely play a role in carrier-mediated Mn influx into the brain.

Manganese distribution across the blood-brain barrier III. The divalent metal transporter-1 is not the major mechanism mediating brain manganese uptake

Manganese (Mn) is essential for and toxic to the brain. Brain Mn uptake utilizes both diffusion and transporter-mediated pathways. The divalent metal transporter-1 (DMT-1) has been suggested to mediate brain Mn uptake. The b/b Belgrade rat does not express significant amounts of functional DMT-1. In the present work, brain influx transfer coefficients of (54) Mn ion and (54) Mn transferrin (Mn Tf) were determined in b/b and +/b Belgrade and Wistar rats using the in situ brain perfusion technique. Brain Mn uptake was not significantly different among the three rat strains for either Mn species. We hypothesized that Mn may enter brain endothelial cells by a DMT-1-independent process but not be able to distribute across those cells into brain tissue due to the absence of DMT-1 activity. To test this hypothesis the brain capillary endothelial cells were isolated from b/b and +/b Belgrade rats and Wistar rats after in situ brain perfusion. Some animals received cerebrovascular washout after in situ brain perfusion to ascertain any affect of genotype on (54) Mn adsorption to the endothelial cell luminal surface. Less than 30% of the brain (54) Mn after (54) Mn ion or (54) Mn Tf perfusion remained associated with endothelial cells, suggesting the majority had distributed into brain extracellular fluid (ECF) and/or brain cells. Mn appears to distribute across the rat blood-brain barrier (BBB) into the brain by one or more carrier-mediated processes other than the DMT-1.

Comparison of cell uptake, biodistribution and tumor retention of folate-coated and PEG-coated gadolinium nanoparticles in tumor-bearing mice

The purpose of these studies was to compare the cell uptake, biodistribution and tumor retention of folate-coated and PEG-coated gadolinium (Gd) nanoparticles. Gd is a potential agent for neutron capture therapy (NCT) of tumors. Gd nanoparticles were engineered from oil-in-water microemulsion templates. To obtain folate-coated nanoparticles, a folate ligand [folic acid chemically linked to distearoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DSPE) via a PEG spacer MW 3350] was included in nanoparticle preparations. Similarly, control nanoparticles were coated with DSPE-PEG-MW 3350 (PEG-coated). Nanoparticles were characterized based on size, size distribution, morphology, biocompatibility and tumor cell uptake. In vivo studies were carried out in KB (human nasopharyngeal carcinoma) tumor-bearing athymic mice. Biodistribution and tumor retention studies were carried out at pre-determined time intervals after injection of nanoparticles (10 mg/kg). Gd nanoparticles did not aggregate platelets or activate neutrophils. The retention of nanoparticles in the blood 8, 16 and 24 h post-injection was 60%, 13% and 11% of the injected dose (ID), respectively. A maximum Gd tumor localization of 33+/-7 microg Gd/g was achieved. Both folate-coated and PEG-coated nanoparticles had comparable tumor accumulation. However, the cell uptake and tumor retention of folate-coated nanoparticles was significantly enhanced over PEG-coated nanoparticles. Thus, the benefits of folate ligand coating were to facilitate tumor cell internalization and retention of Gd-nanoparticles in the tumor tissue. The engineered nanoparticles may have potential in tumor-targeted delivery of Gd thereby enhancing the therapeutic success of NCT.

Manganese toxicokinetics at the blood-brain barrier

Increased manganese (Mn) use in manufacturing and in gasoline has raised concern about Mn-induced parkinsonism. Previous research indicated carrier-mediated brain entry but did not assess brain efflux. Using in situ rat brain perfusion, we studied influx across the blood-brain barrier (BBB*) of three predominant plasma Mn species available to enter the brain: Mn2+, Mn citrate, and Mn transferrin. Our results suggested transporter-mediated uptake of these species. The uptake rate was greatest for Mn citrate. Our results using the brain efflux index method suggested that diffusion mediates distribution from rat brain to blood. To characterize the carriers mediating brain Mn uptake, we used rat erythrocytes, an immortalized murine BBB cell line (b.End5), primary bovine brain endothelial cells (bBMECs), and Sprague Dawley and Belgrade rats. Studies with bBMECs and b.End5 cells suggested concentrative brain Mn2+ and Mn citrate uptake, respectively, consistent with carrier-mediated uptake. Mn2+ uptake positively correlated with pH, suggesting mediation by an electromotive force. Mn2+ uptake was not inhibited by iron or the absence of divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT-1) expression, suggesting an iron-transporter-independent mechanism. Mn2+ uptake inversely correlated with calcium and was affected by calcium channel modulators, suggesting a role for calcium channels. Rat erythrocyte results suggested monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) and anion exchange transporters do not mediate Mn citrate brain uptake. Considering carrier-mediated brain influx (but not efflux), repeated excessive Mn exposure should produce brain accumulation. Further work is necessary to identify the specific transporter or transporters mediating Mn distribution across the BBB.

Manganese distribution across the blood-brain barrier. I. Evidence for carrier-mediated influx of managanese citrate as well as manganese and manganese transferrin

Manganese (Mn) is an essential element and a neurotoxicant. Regulation of Mn movement across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) contributes to whether the brain Mn concentration is functional or toxic. In plasma, Mn associates with water, small molecular weight ligands and proteins. Mn speciation may influence the kinetics of its movement through the BBB. In the present work, the brain influx rates of 54Mn2+, 54Mn citrate and 54Mn transferrin (54Mn Tf) were determined using the in situ brain perfusion technique. The influx rates were compared to their predicted diffusion rates, which were determined from their octanol/aqueous partitioning coefficients and molecular weights. The in situ brain perfusion fluid contained 54Mn2+, 54Mn citrate or 54Mn Tf and a vascular volume/extracellular space marker, 14C-sucrose, which did not appreciably cross the BBB during these short experiments (15-180 s). The influx transfer coefficient (Kin) was determined from four perfusion durations for each Mn species in nine brain regions and the lateral ventricular choroid plexus. The brain Kin was (5-13) x 10(-5), (3-51) x 10(-5), and (2-13) x 10(-5) ml/s/g for 54Mn2+, 54Mn citrate, and 54Mn Tf, respectively. Brain Kin values for any one of the three Mn species generally did not significantly differ among the nine brain regions and the choroid plexus. However, the brain Kin for Mn citrate was greater than Mn2+ and Mn Tf Kin values in a number of brain regions. When compared to calculated diffusion rates, brain Kin values suggest carrier-mediated brain influx of 54Mn2+, 54Mn citrate and 54Mn Tf. 55Mn citrate inhibited 54Mn citrate uptake, and 55Mn2+ inhibited 54Mn2+ uptake, supporting the conclusion of carrier-mediated brain Mn influx. The greater Kin values for Mn citrate than Mn2+ and its presence as a major non-protein-bound Mn species in blood plasma suggest Mn citrate may be a major Mn species entering the brain.

Manganese distribution across the blood-brain barrier. II. Manganese efflux from the brain does not appear to be carrier mediated

There is concern about manganese (Mn) neurotoxicity. Mn can enter the brain by carrier-mediated influx. There have been no previous reports of investigation of Mn efflux from the brain. We used an established method that determines the rate of efflux out of the brain across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) from the product of the brain distribution volume (Vbrain) and the apparent elimination rate constant (Kel). Vbrain is determined as 54Mn uptake into rat parietal brain slices versus time. Kel is determined from the percentage of 54Mn remaining in the brain at various times after its discrete injection into the parietal cortex, compared to a reference compound which is expected to very slowly diffuse out of the brain. The Mn ion, Mn citrate and Mn transferrin (Mn Tf) were studied. 14C-sucrose and 14C-dextran were used as reference compounds. The volume of distribution of the Mn species in brain slices was approximately 3-5 ml/g, indicating concentrative uptake. Mn, as the Mn ion or Mn citrate, was injected into the brain with sucrose or dextran to determine Kel. Based on the rapid exchange rate of Mn with ligands and on thermodynamic calculations, injection of Mn ion or Mn citrate into the brain would be expected to result in rapid formation of the same Mn species, predominantly the Mn ion, Mn citrates and Mn phosphate, in brain extracellular fluid. After injection into the brain Mn did not efflux from the brain more rapidly than sucrose or dextran, which diffuse across the BBB. Brain capillary diffusion of the Mn ion and Mn citrate would be expected to be slower than sucrose or dextran. The rate of Mn efflux from the brain is consistent with diffusion.

Brain uptake, retention, and efflux of aluminum and manganese

My colleagues and I investigated the sites and mechanisms of aluminum (Al) and manganese (Mn) distribution through the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Microdialysis was used to sample non-protein-bound Al in the extracellular fluid (ECF) of blood (plasma) and brain. Brain ECF Al appearance after intravenous Al citrate injection was too rapid to attribute to diffusion or to transferrin-receptor-mediated endocytosis, suggesting another carrier-mediated process. The brain:blood ECF Al concentration ratio was 0.15 at constant blood and brain ECF Al concentrations, suggesting carrier-mediated brain Al efflux. Pharmacological manipulations suggested the efflux carrier might be a monocarboxylate transporter (MCT). However, the lack of Al (14)C-citrate uptake into rat erythrocytes suggested it is not a good substrate for isoform MCT1 or for the band 3 anion exchanger. Al (14)C-citrate uptake into murine-derived brain endothelial cells appeared to be carrier mediated, Na independent, pH independent, and energy dependent. Uptake was inhibited by substrate/inhibitors of the MCT and organic anion transporter families. Determination of (26)Al in rat brain at various times after intravenous (26)Al suggested a prolonged brain (26)Al half-life. It appears that Al transferrin and Al citrate cross the BBB by different mechanisms, that much of the Al entering brain ECF is rapidly effluxed, probably as Al citrate, but that some Al is retained for quite some time. Brain influx of the Mn(2+) ion and Mn citrate, determined with the in situ brain perfusion technique, was greater than that attributable to diffusion, suggesting carrier-mediated uptake. Mn citrate uptake was approximately 3-fold greater than the Mn(2+) ion, suggesting it is a primary Mn species entering the brain. After Mn(2+) ion, Mn citrate, or Mn transferrin injection into the brain, brain Mn efflux was not more rapid than that predicted from diffusion. The BBB permeation of Al and Mn is mediated by carriers that may help regulate their brain concentrations.

Aluminum citrate uptake by immortalized brain endothelial cells: implications for its blood-brain barrier transport

The objective was to further test the hypothesis that aluminum (Al) citrate transport across the blood-brain barrier is mediated by a monocarboxylate transporter (MCT). Speciation calculations showed that Al citrates were the predominant Al species under the conditions employed. Al citrate did not inhibit lactate uptake and was not taken up by the rat erythrocyte, suggesting it does not serve as an effective substrate for either MCT1 or the anion exchanger. Studies were conducted with b.End5 cells derived from mouse brain endothelial cells to identify the properties of the carrier(s) mediating Al citrate transport. Western blot analysis of b.End5 cells showed expression of the transferrin receptor and MCT1, but not MCT2 or MCT4. Uptake of Al citrate was approximately 70% faster than citrate. Citrate and Al citrate uptake were sodium independent. Citrate uptake increased at pH 6.9 compared to 7.4, whereas Al citrate uptake did not. Al citrate uptake was reduced by inhibitors of mitochondrial respiration and oxidative phosphorylation, suggesting ATP dependence, but not by ouabain, suggesting no role for Na/K-ATPase. Uptake was not affected by alpha-ketoglutarate or malonate, substrates for the dicarboxylate carrier. Many substrates and inhibitors of MCT1 and organic anion transporters reduced Al citrate uptake into b.End5 cells. BSP and fluorescein, organic anion transporter substrates/inhibitors, inhibited Al citrate uptake. We conclude that Al citrate transport across the blood-brain barrier is carrier-mediated, involving either an uncharacterized MCT isoform expressed in the brain such as MCT7 or MCT8 and/or one of the many members of the organic anion transporting protein family, some of which are known to be expressed at the blood-brain barrier.

Entry, half-life, and desferrioxamine-accelerated clearance of brain aluminum after a single (26)Al exposure

The objectives of our study were to estimate the percentage of aluminum (Al) that enters the brain, the half-life of brain Al, and the ability of an Al chelator to reduce brain Al. Rats received an iv infusion of Al transferrin, the primary Al species in plasma, or Al citrate, the predominant small molecular weight Al species in plasma. The infusion contained approximately 0.2-0.3 nCi (0.4-0.6 nmol) (26)Al, enabling the study of Al distribution into and retention by the brain at physiological Al concentrations. Some Al transferrin-infused rats received ip injections of the Al chelator desferrioxamine (DFO), 0.15 mmol/kg, three times weekly. The others received saline injections. The rats were euthanized from 4 hr to 4 days (Al citrate) or 256 days (Al transferrin) later. Brain (26)Al was determined by accelerator mass spectrometry. Peak brain (26)Al concentration was approximately 0.005% of the (26)Al dose in each gram of brain, irrespective of Al species administered. In the absence of DFO treatments, brain (26)Al concentration decreased with a half-life of approximately 150 days. The brain Al half-life in the DFO-treated rats was approximately 55 days. The results show a small fraction of Al in blood enters the brain, where it persists for a long time. The ability of repeated DFO treatments to modestly accelerate the reduction of brain Al is consistent with the necessity of prolonged DFO therapy to significantly reduce Al-induced dialysis encephalopathy.

Aluminium toxicokinetics: an updated minireview

This MiniReview updates and expands the MiniReview of aluminium toxicokinetics by Wilhelm et al. published by this journal in 1990. The use of 26Al, analyzed by accelerator mass spectrometry, now enables determination of Al toxicokinetics under physiological conditions. There is concern about aluminium in drinking water. The common sources of aluminium for man are reviewed. Oral Al bioavailability from water appears to be about 0.3%. Food is the primary common source. Al bioavailability from food has not been adequately determined. Industrial and medicinal exposure, and perhaps antiperspirant use, can significantly increase absorbed aluminium. Inhalation bioavailability of airborne soluble Al appears to be about 1.5% in the industrial environment. Al may distribute to the brain from the nasal cavity, but the significance of this exposure route is unknown. Systemic Al bioavailability after single underarm antiperspirant application may be up to 0.012%. All intramuscularly injected Al, e.g. from vaccines, may eventually be absorbed. Al distributes unequally to all tissues. Distribution and renal excretion appear to be enhanced by citrate. Brain uptake of Al may be mediated by Al transferrin and Al citrate complexes. There appears to be carrier-mediated efflux of Al citrate from the brain. Elimination half-lives of years have been reported in man, probably reflecting release from bone. Al elimination is primarily renal with < or = 2% excreted in bile. The contribution of food to absorbed Al needs to be determined to advance our understanding of the major components of Al toxicokinetics.

Aluminum bioavailability from drinking water is very low and is not appreciably influenced by stomach contents or water hardness

The objectives were to estimate aluminum (Al) oral bioavailability under conditions that model its consumption in drinking water, and to test the hypotheses that stomach contents and co-administration of the major components of hard water affect Al absorption. Rats received intragastric 26Al in the absence and presence of food in the stomach and with or without concomitant calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) at concentrations found in hard drinking water. The use of 26Al enables the study of Al pharmacokinetics at physiological Al concentrations without interference from 27Al in the environment or the subject. 27Al was intravenously administered throughout the study. Repeated blood withdrawal enabled determination of oral 26Al bioavailability from the area under its serum concentrationxtime curve compared to serum 27Al concentration in relation to its infusion rate. Oral Al bioavailability averaged 0.28%. The presence of food in the stomach and Ca and Mg in the water that contained the orally dosed 26Al appeared to delay but not significantly alter the extent of 26Al absorption. The present and published results suggest oral bioavailability of Al from drinking water is very low, about 0.3%. The present results suggest it is independent of stomach contents and water hardness.