Effect of oral bases on enteral aluminum absorption
Authors (place mouse over name to view author affiliation):
Walker JA
Sherman RA
Cody RP
Source: Arch. Intern. Med.; VOL 150 ISS Oct 1990, P2037-2039, (REF )
Abstract:
IPA COPYRIGHT: ASHP A study to evaluate whether citrate may potentiate gastrointestinal aluminum absorption via the formation of an aluminum citrate moiety and whether sodium bicarbonate would have a similar effect, was conducted in 8 volunteers, aged 28-36 yr, who received one of 4 oral regimens: 1.26 g (30 ml) of aluminum hydroxide (Alternagel) alone, aluminum hydroxide plus 60 ml of Shohl's solution (a combination of citric acid and sodium citrate; Bicitra), aluminum hydroxide plus 58 meq of sodium bicarbonate, or Shohl's solution alone; each treatment was given in 3 divided doses for 2 days. A significant but similar increment in urinary aluminum occurred with both aluminum hydroxide alone and aluminum hydroxide plus sodium bicarbonate, while only a small increment was noted with Shohl's solution alone. The rise in urinary aluminum obtained with aluminum hydroxide plus Shohl's solution, however, was nearly 8 times that seen with either aluminum hydroxide alone or aluminum hydroxide plus sodium bicarbonate. It was concluded that citrate appears to augment gastrointestinal aluminum absorption markedly, an effect not shared by an equivalent dose of sodium bicarbonate. Citrate administration to patients with renal failure who are also taking aluminum-containing medication may be harmful.