Risks of aluminium exposure during pregnancy

It is well known that aluminium is potentially neurotoxic. Moreover, there has been concern in recent years that dietary and environmental exposure to aluminium might cause developmental toxicity in mammals. While it is well established that aluminium may be a developmental toxic when administered parenterally, until recently there was little concern about embryo/fetal consequences of aluminium ingestion because bioavailability was considered low. This paper summarizes the results of recent investigations on the embryo/ fetal toxicity of aluminium, the potential reproductive toxicology of aluminium, and the neurodevelopmental and behavioural effects deriving from aluminium exposure during pregnancy. Potential therapies to protect against aluminium- induced developmental toxicity are also reviewed.