Effect of oral Aluminium Intake on Plasma Glucose Concentrations while Fasting and after Glucose Tolerance Tests in Rats

There is no solid evidence of aluminium (Al3+) toxicity resulting from the Al3+ present in foods or from aluminium utensils used to prepare or contain foods. However recent studies have strongly emphasized Al3+ toxicity in chronic renal failure patients and patients administered aluminium containing antacids. In this study the effect of high doses of Al3+ on glucose metabolism in rats has been investigated. Six groups of male and female albino rats within a weight range of 180-220 grams were fed with food containing Al3+ (75, 212.5, 312.5, 625, 1250, 2500 mg/kg food) for two months. During this time, at 15-day intervals, measurements of plasma glucose concentrations, both while fasting - Fasting Blood Sugar (F.B.S) - and after Glucose Tolerance Test (G.T.T) were taken from the test and control groups. The results indicate that Al3+ can increase fasting plasma glucose and impair glucose tolerance in a dose and time dependent manner. Fasting plasma glucose of the control group at the end of the 60 day- intervention (113.8±4 mg/dl) was significantly less than the case-group, which consumed food containing Al3+ (2500 mg/kg) (165.9±10 mg/dl). In general the results of this study reveal for first time, that the toxic effect of aluminium on glucose metabolism must be considered, particularly in individuals with frequent exposure to the element.