Aluminum Toxicity and ALS?

[SJ71]

Do any of you with ALS feel that it may have been the result of aluminum toxicity?

I am very worred. I am a 38 year old otherwise healthy male. For the past 8 years, I have been consistently taking the recommended dosage of an over the counter Antacid as a "daily source of extra calcium" per the bottles instructions. Apparently, it has aluminum in it. I would not have taken it if I thought it may be harmful. I thought I was doing myself a favor by taking this as it is listed directly on the bottle as a "calcium suppliment". Now, I am having all sorts of problems similar to ALS. I have a lot of leg cramping, numbness at times in the hands, shake in the fingers, numb upper front teeth, fatigue, waking up at night.

My doctor and neurologist have taken all sorts of blood work and everything is clear. I had an MRI on my brain and it was clear.

I am very scared and want to know what you other think.

Thank you so very much.

:cry:

[wright]

Hello SJ71

The first big scare with aluminum came with Alzheimer's disease and it was proven to have no correlation. As far as I know, there is no known study to link aluminum with ALS. I think if there were a link, far more people would have ALS, considering how prevalent aluminum is in our society.
There are some that believe that heavy metals might . . . and I stress, might . . . be linked to ALS, but that is pure speculation. Right now, we have absolutely no idea what causes ALS, except in the familial form, where it is caused by a mutated gene.

[Sammantha]

My father was in vietnam and my mother's first baby was stillborn and had lots of deformities, the family thought it was due to the agent orange my father was exposed to. My mother worked in a factory that had lots of glue and my father worked in a aluminum factory. My father got sick, not from aluminum but from asbestos and passed away. When i look back on my life every year i could pick something and correlate it with a cause of something neuromuscular........ There is a bill being passed that will allow people diagnosed with ALS to have all their information gathered so that they can find similarities... This way they may find the exact cause. PS. Deordarant has aluminum so if you want to take it all out of your life, look at everything you ingest. I personally do not feel that the little aluminum we ingest from everyday things will cause ALS... But what the heck do i know!?

[SJ71]

That's just it. I think now that I had a high level of aluminum in my body on a daily basis. I took the anatacid per the bottle's recommended dosage for 8 years. I did this, per the bottle, as a "daily source of extra calcium". Now, I am having all sorts of nerve problems and I am scared to death. I think that this over the counter product may have poisoned my system. If that is the case, I want it off the shelf so others dont do the same.

[wright]

Again, there is no correlation between aluminum and ALS. The evidence you present is anectodal at best. I think what you should do is go see your neuro to get to the bottom of your problems. It could something as simple as a vitamin deficiency, a virus, an autoimmune problem, etc. Keep us posted.

[Sammantha]

If the aluminum is causing all this, i am sure that if you get away from it you may recover. My point earlier is that noone knows what causes ALS or MND's. Most of us have been through or exposed to the same things. Believe me, the doctor will not care how you get it, only if you have it.... No doctor will say, yes it is from that.... Its not because they dont believe you its just there is no scientific proof. So the best thing you can do for your body and mind is to get away from it... besides when i was going through testing they did a blood test to check for poisons like lead and mercury. Mine was negative, why dont you get tested so you are not worried as much?

[SJ71]

BS. No way. They should FREAKING tell you boldly on the label, antacid contains aluminum. I took it every day in its recommended dosage per the bottle's instructions only. I would have never gone near it despite its claims to be beneficial to your health as a calcium supplement. This is wrong. This is wrong I tell you.

[patricia1]

I think you are overreacting Please stop dwelling on the antiacids as they have been around for years and alumumin was assoc with alsheimers and thats been proven to be wrong.
Your symptoms are not like ALS.!
You should revisit your neuro and get further testing .


PAT 1

[SJ71]

I am not overreacting. You don't know me well enough to state that. I don't think antacids are bad for you if you take them occassionally. It is if you take them consistenlty over a long period of time, then I feel they may be bad to some people. There is a large amount of aluminum in them. They should clearly state this on their product. That is what I am saying. I am not the first person to question possible harmful effects aluminum may have on the body. Try doing a search.

[wright]

There has been a lot of research on aluminum and its affects on the nervous system. There is absolutely NO EVIDENCE of any links whatsoever. I was a neuroscientist for nearly a decade, so I know the literature and have read it. Stop making baseless conclusions on anectodal evidence.

[SJ71]

Wright, tell that to Mount Sinai medical center:

"Environmental influences have been reported to be responsible for some clusters of ALS cases to explain the very high incidence of ALS in Guam and Japan. Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and aluminum are suspected causes."

[wright]

They are suspected but as I said, not proven. In Guam, the bigger link is being made to the consumption of a type of fruit bat, called a flying fox. As I said, nothing has been proven. That is my point. You're picking up things off of websites and not reading the literature. Could it be aluminum toxicity? Maybe, but it could be a ton of other things too.

P.S. I just edited this, because I didn't want anyone to think that eating bats is what they actually think is the cause. It's actually from a seed called a cycad that the bats eat. The cycad has neurotoxins in it and that is what they actually think the link is.

[SJ71]

Just the FACT that it is suspected cause is enough for me to want them to clearly label products with aluminum as such. At one point, they could not prove the world was round. Were they wrong?

Wouldn't you want a company who uses lead or mercury in their product to tell you? I think since aluminum may be a "suspected cause" in some cases, this should be made known.

All I want is for people to be safe.

[wright]

I understand your point . . . but . . . the research has been done with aluminum and there is absolutely no evidence at all that links it to any neurological disease. Lead however is known to be neurotoxic as is mercury . . . but . . . the levels have to be high enough to cause such toxicity.

Do you have any atrophy? Do you have any weakness besides fatigue? Do you have any new symptoms? Have you had an EMG? Are you diagnosed with anything?

[ZenArcher]

You haven't been diagnosed with ALS and I don't believe you have it but who am I. If you want it listed on the bottle go to a lawyer or the company this isn't the place to start that particular crusade. As an aside if you want extra calcium drink more milk or take a calcium supplement not antacid.

Now having said that I have to also include the evidence below. Aluminum in the form of aluminum hydroxide has been linked directly to motor neuron death, increased astrocytes and cognitive changes. In addition the anthrax vaccine has been found to be a possible cause of ALS according to World Health Organization guidelines due to the aluminum hydroxide adjuvant.

Aluminum adjuvant linked to gulf war illness induces motor neuron death in mice.
Petrik MS, Wong MC, Tabata RC, Garry RF, Shaw CA.

Department of Ophthalmology and Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Gulf War illness (GWI) affects a significant percentage of veterans of the 1991 conflict, but its origin remains unknown. Associated with some cases of GWI are increased incidences of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other neurological disorders. Whereas many environmental factors have been linked to GWI, the role of the anthrax vaccine has come under increasing scrutiny. Among the vaccine's potentially toxic components are the adjuvants aluminum hydroxide and squalene. To examine whether these compounds might contribute to neuronal deficits associated with GWI, an animal model for examining the potential neurological impact of aluminum hydroxide, squalene, or aluminum hydroxide combined with squalene was developed. Young, male colony CD-1 mice were injected with the adjuvants at doses equivalent to those given to US military service personnel. All mice were subjected to a battery of motor and cognitive-behavioral tests over a 6-mo period postinjections. Following sacrifice, central nervous system tissues were examined using immunohistochemistry for evidence of inflammation and cell death. Behavioral testing showed motor deficits in the aluminum treatment group that expressed as a progressive decrease in strength measured by the wire-mesh hang test (final deficit at 24 wk; about 50%). Significant cognitive deficits in water-maze learning were observed in the combined aluminum and squalene group (4.3 errors per trial) compared with the controls (0.2 errors per trial) after 20 wk. Apoptotic neurons were identified in aluminum-injected animals that showed significantly increased activated caspase-3 labeling in lumbar spinal cord (255%) and primary motor cortex (192%) compared with the controls. Aluminum-treated groups also showed significant motor neuron loss (35%) and increased numbers of astrocytes (350%) in the lumbar spinal cord. The findings suggest a possible role for the aluminum adjuvant in some neurological features associated with GWI and possibly an additional role for the combination of adjuvants.

[wright]

Thanks for the study, Jeff. I'll be sure to read it. I'm unaware of any in humans, though. Do you know of any? I'll do a new search when I get the chance and let everyone know if I find anything new.

[patricia1]

yOUR NOT MAKING SENSE! Your getting all worked up over nothing. Whatever is going on with you should be addressed but I dont think your symptoms are from antacids.

Wright told you there is no proof that aluminum causes ALS Why do you keep saying the same thing over and over Instead why dont you concentrate on whats really your problem.

Pat 1

[ZenArcher]

I didn't realize we were suddenly discounting the mouse model in neurological testing but here are a few more.

Metabolism and possible health effects of aluminum.
P O Ganrot

Abstract
Literature regarding the biochemistry of aluminum and eight similar ions is reviewed. Close and hitherto unknown similarities were found. A hypothetical model is presented for the metabolism, based on documented direct observations of Al3+ and analogies from other ions. Main characteristics are low intestinal absorption, rapid urinary excretion, and slow tissue uptake, mostly in skeleton and reticuloendothelial cells. Intracellular Al3+ is probably first confined in the lysosomes but then slowly accumulates in the cell nucleus and chromatin. Large, long-lived cells, e.g., neurons, may be the most liable to this accumulation. In heterochromatin, Al3+ levels can be found comparable to those used in leather tannage. It is proposed that an accumulation may take place at a subcellular level without any significant increase in the corresponding tissue concentration. The possible effects of this accumulation are discussed. As Al3+ is neurotoxic, the brain metabolism is most interesting. The normal and the lethally toxic brain levels of Al3+ are well documented and differ only by a factor of 3-10. The normal brain uptake of Al3+ is estimated from data on intestinal uptake of Al3+ and brain uptake of radionuclides of similar ions administered intravenously. The uptake is very slow, 1 mg in 36 years, and is consistent with an assumption that Al3+ taken up by the brain cannot be eliminated and is therefore accumulated. The possibility that Al3+ may cause or contribute to some specific diseases, most of them related to aging, is discussed with the proposed metabolic picture in mind.

Motor neuron disease and trace element toxicity
Michael J. Strong 1 2 *, Beiping He 1
1The John P. Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
2Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada

Abstract
There is a significant degree of overlap between the clinical syndromes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and chronic AlCl3 neurotoxicity. Although there is little, if any, significant overlap with acute AlCl3 neurotoxicity, these latter studies are of importance in demonstrating that an exogenously administered neurotoxin can induce a posttranslational modification in neurofilament, sufficient to bring about neurofilamentous inclusions. The value in the study of chronic AlCl3 neurotoxicity is in the recapitulation of neuronal damage resembling that of ALS and the observations that suggest that the potential for recovery from the neuronal injury can be mediated by microglia. Studies are currently in progress to further define this potential.

Effects of aluminum on the nervous system and its possible link with neurodegenerative diseases.
Kawahara M.

Department of Analytical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University of Health and Welfare, Nobeoka-city, Miyazaki, 882-8508

Aluminum is environmentally abundant, but not an essential element. Aluminum has been associated with several neurodegenerative diseases, such as dialysis encephalopathy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Parkinsonism dementia in the Kii peninsula and Guam, and in particular, Alzheimer's disease. Although this association remains controversial, there is increasing evidence which suggests the implication of metal homeostasis in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Aluminum, zinc, copper, and iron cause the conformational changes of Alzheimer's amyloid-beta protein. Al causes the accumulation of tau protein and amyloid-beta protein in experimental animals. Aluminum induces neuronal apoptosis in vivo as well as in vitro. Furthermore, a relationship between aluminum and the iron-homeostasis or calcium-homeostasis has been suggested. Based on these findings, the characteristics of aluminum neurotoxicity are reviewed, and the potential link between aluminum and neurodegenerative diseases is reconsidered.

[SJ71]

Patricia,

Maybe because what I have read has me concerned. Zen's post is another one to concern me. I respect Wright's opinion. He has a lot of good insight and is knowledgeable. I don't need to be yelled at by you though. I am simply trying to get better myself while looking out for others.

[wright]

Hey SJ71

I'm sorry you got offended. I don't want you to worry about that study. It is interesting and compelling, but it still doesn't prove a thing. I'm going to read it and see if I can find anything else out there and let you know. In the meantime, try to relax. You haven't been diagnosed with ALS and in my opinion, your symptoms don't sound very "ALS-like"
Take care of yourself.

P.S. You never answered my string of questions, by the way.

[wright]

Jeff

Not at all. The mouse model and rat model and cat model are all the models we have to base studies on. I was talking about epidemiological studies.

[SJ71]

Wright,

Thanks for responding. To answer your questions:

Do you have any atrophy?
I seem to be getting some, yes. My hands definitely look different and skinnier.

Do you have any weakness besides fatigue?
I don't seem as strong and I get now more muscle tightening in my arms as of about 2 weeks ago for the 1st time.

Do you have any new symptoms?
I have muscle twitches now and didnt before. It started with my calves and has progressed to my knees and arms.

Have you had an EMG? Are you diagnosed with anything?
I haven't been diagnosed with anything yet as I have gotten worse I have been very scared and have not gone back for EMG. Just flat out too scared and upset. I feel I have it and unfortunately is a disease that if you get to it quickly it will make a difference.

This just all seems so surreal.

[ZenArcher]

You can hang out here telling us your symptoms and theorizing that the antacid was responsible all the time scaring yourself or you can get to a qualified professional who will more than likely tell you that you're fine.

I posted those studies simply as facts because I believe it is best to be informed properly before making a decision. Don't take those studies out of context and use them to fuel your own paranoia. If you think something is wrong go to a doctor not an internet forum.

[wright]

We can't diagnose you on here; all we can do is give you advice and the advice you have been given by everyone is to get to a neuro and let them figure-out what is wrong with you AND that your symptoms don't sound like your typical ALS symptoms. Your symptoms can be due to about a gazillion things, almost all of them treatable. Not going to the neuro isn't going to help your situation; it's only going to make it worse because you will . . . and it appears you already have . . . diagnose yourself.

As I said and as Jeff said, the studies don't prove a thing. They were done to test a theory and now further studies need to be done. NO ONE knows what causes ALS. There are A LOT of theories out there which is why the research is ongoing.

[patricia1]

I think this guy should get intouch with Treyo09. They have alot in common.

Pat1

[awieleba]

I am not sure, i was wondering about aluminum. MY grandfather passed away from alzhiemers. he was in the army, he had a drinking problem and drank nonstop from cans. i always have stayed away from cans. BUT, about the toxin mercury, that has left me wondering. I live in fear of vaccinating my children!! They so there is no link, but the parents of autisic kids beg to differ.

my symptoms could have been around and i did not notice them, due to being pregant. ( i did have a difficult time at end with breathing and severe weakness).
ALL the symptoms I noticed happen after I got the flu shot. I am not saying the flu shot gives you als. But, for me that is when things started happening. I have always made sure that my kids had thimersal (sp)/mercury free vaccines. I would make them show me the bottle!!! Then my sister who is nurse, told me that the only vaccine that still has mercury/thimersal is the flu shot! And, since I just had a major operation (c-section) and the baby my immune system was weakend and I should not have gotten a vaccine. They advise there patients (knee surgeon) not to have vaccines after surgery.
I was upset, it may have nothing to do with it, but i got that shot to stay healthy for the baby and instead it all went sooo bad! I got the c-diff, pnuemonia, pluresy, yadda-yadda-yadda (shout out to sienfeld)

So I am a little suspect about the shot and MY immune system and succeptable.

[wright]

As I said to you in your original post: the autoimmune query needs to be further investigated. Autoimmune disorders are known to come about for no apparent reason, or after a virus or after vaccinations or after . . . etc., etc. You said your symptoms presented after your flu shot, which would point in that direction.

Blood work can be "clean" with autoimmune disorders and so can spinal fluid and so can so many tests, which is why many times, they are idiopathic (that is, cause unkown).

Don't diagnose yourself with something like ALS, especially when there is absolutely no evidence you have it . . . and from what I recall, you had a clean EMG with supposed lower motor neuron symptoms . . . and furthermore, you were cleared by an ALS specialist. Stop talking yourself into this dreaded disease.

[awieleba]

Yes, I am hoping that it is autoimmune in nature!!! And I do thank you for replying. The only thing that keeps me stuck is the fact that the muscle in my lower front side of ankle is gone.(it seems to be the muscle that would move the toes, and i cant move my toes up), my thigh is notable smaller than other, and on my hands between thumb and index finger has thinned out, and I can see the tendon b/w them.( i can still use them and they dont look like Al's photo, just thinned and bony) OH, and all the twitching and invoulantary movements!

So, the only thing that will tell is time. I am normally a very postive person and feel very happy and blessed in my life. Believe me, I dont want to dwell on this or talk myself into this. When your body changes and you match a disease so well, it scary.

The sight helps me because other people have some of the same "strange" things going on. Regardless, If I do not have this, I will spend my time in the community helping others that do. I have always helped out, normally to kids programs. I feel my attention has been pulled in this direction, so I will do anything I can to help. Enen if I do have a neuro muscular disease I could still help.

[wright]

I did an extensive literature search on motor neuron disease / ALS and aluminum and there isn't too much out there. The latest study (2006) was a study trying to link the incidence of ALS on the island of Guam and aluminum but didn't do a very good job of it. Again, the leading theory revolves around the neurotoxic seeds of the island.

The Kawara review (quoted by Jeff) was published back in 2005 and revolved more around Alzheimer's than ALS (nothing from them since and that paper hasn't gotten very much attention). Another study quoted by Jeff, investigated the link between vaccines given to gulf war veterans and neurotoxicity (the vaccines contained aluminum). They did find an increase in neuronal death with the vaccines, but the investigators of that study cautioned against extrapolating their results to humans (the study was done in mice).

There are other studies but the theme is basically the same. There is simply no concrete evidence. Can aluminum cause neuronal death: yes it can, but does that mean there is a link with ALS . . . no it doesn't. Alcohol also kills neurons but there isn't a link between alcohol consumption and ALS. Jeff quoted those studies to inform people and not to make a link between aluminum and ALS. One has to be careful when interpreting things, especially when you're only getting bits and pieces of information from internet searches.

Suffice to say: right now, there is absolutely no evidence whatsoever, linking aluminum to ALS. There are so many theories out there and the research will continue until they determine what it is.