Dietary Aluminum

Aluminum in the food supply comes from natural sources such as water, food additives and aluminum food container and utensil contamination. Certain tea leaves, particularly black tea, contain low levels of aluminum. Intake of aluminum in food additives vary, with dyes, cake mix, processed cheese, baking powder and baking soda among the highest. According to a study from the University of Wisconsin, the intake of aluminum in foods is less than 1% of that consumed by individuals using aluminum containing pharmaceuticals, yet dietary factors, including citrate affecting the absorption of aluminum and aluminum contamination of soy-based and lactose intolerant infant formula are of great concern to public health.