Aluminum Chelation An HSI member named Bruce wants to know if there might be a health problem hiding in his deodorant: "If there is any link between aluminum and Alzheimer's, why is there little or no discussion of aluminum in deodorants?" Actually, we have discussed the aluminum contents of deodorants, but it's been awhile since we addressed this issue. In the July 1998 HSI Members Alert we told you that the average person my absorb anywhere from 10 to 100 mg of aluminum every day through aluminum deodorants, cookware, baking soda, antacids, and other sources. And although the cause of Alzheimer's disease remains unclear, research indicates that aluminum toxicity may be one of the primary culprits. Fortunately, a hair tissue analysis can determine if your body has stored unhealthy amounts of aluminum. And as always, a preventive approach is the best defense. In that 1998 Members Alert, HSI Panelist, Marty Milner, N.D., explained how he helped discover a way to reduce dangerous levels of aluminum. Dr. Milner wrote: "In a group of fibromyalgia patients being treated with malic acid, we were amazed to note that the aluminum levels in their tissues - as measured by hair analysis - dropped dramatically. This was an incredibly important development, because aluminum is notoriously difficult to chelate (remove)." Malic acid is available in most health food stores (magnesium malate is the preferred form). But Dr. Milner warns that it is possible to over-do it. You should only attempt aluminum chelation if you have established, through hair analysis, that your aluminum levels are high. The aluminum chelation protocol calls for 500 mg of malic acid three times a day for no more than three weeks at a time. And Dr. Milner highly recommends that you work with a professional who can monitor your tissue levels and advise you on the protocol. If you believe you may have elevated aluminum levels, ask your doctor for a hair tissue mineral analysis. To Your Good Health, Jenny Thompson
Health Sciences Institute
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