11/06/2025
I just learned aluminum toxicity can cause anemia.
Mechanisms of aluminum-induced anemia
Disrupting iron metabolism: Aluminum can interfere with iron at multiple points, including absorption from the intestine, transport in the blood, and binding to transferrin, the protein that carries iron. This can lead to a functional iron deficiency, where there isn’t enough available iron for red blood cell production.
Inhibiting heme synthesis: Aluminum can inhibit enzymes necessary for the creation of heme, which is a key component of hemoglobin. It can also affect the activity of heme oxygenase, an enzyme that breaks down heme, potentially leading to a decrease in the overall amount of heme available.
Impairing red blood cell production: Aluminum can directly affect the bone marrow, inhibiting the development of red blood cell precursors.
Causing oxidative stress: Aluminum can lead to the production of reactive oxygen species, which causes oxidative damage to cells and can contribute to anemia.
Bypassing the erythropoietin (EPO) response: In patients with kidney disease, aluminum can blunt the effects of erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production.
Other effects: Aluminum toxicity can damage DNA, interfere with protein synthesis, and disrupt cell membranes, all of which can contribute to the development of anemia. Other: neurological issues like memory loss and confusion, bone problems such as osteoporosis and bone pain.
Has your doctor ever mentioned this as a potential cause?
