A. Over 90 percent of the U.S. population use antiperspirants and deodorants. What is harmless for the healthy population can be of danger for people with impaired kidney function. Most of the antiperspirants and some deodorants contain aluminium (Al), which is absorbed by the skin (Flarend et al – Food Chem Toxicol, 2001). In healthy people, it gets eliminated by the kidney, but for people with reduced function, Al will accumulate in the body. Albeit unusual, this could lead to dementia (Carpenter et al. - Int J Occup Med Environ Health, 2001), anemia and bone disease (Jeffery et al. - J Toxicol Environ Health 1996).

In regard of this knowledge, recommendations to avoid Al intake should not be neglected. Since Al is virtually contained in all air (especially dusty), water and food (particularly when canned or tinned), this is quite difficult. As mentioned Al can be contained in antiperspirants, deodorants and also in sunblockers regardless of brand, odor or price. Since manufacturers are obliged to state the content of their products, getting informed about the aluminium content of the mentioned product is a good measure of avoidance. For more information visit the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry at www.atsdr.cdc.gov.

Answer provided by Nathan Levin, MD. Dr. Levin is the Technical Director at the Renal Research Institute and he is a member of the AAKP Medical Advisory Board.

This article originally appeared in the September 2008 issue of aakpRENALIFE.

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