Aluminum does not accumulate in teenagers and adults on prolonged parenteral nutrition containing free amino acids

Abstract

Prolonged total parenteral nutrition (TPN) with solutions containing hydrolyzed casein has been associated with aluminum accumulation in patients with bone disease. We investigated the effects of free amino acids in TPN solution on plasma, urine, and bone aluminum in 6 patients, 5 of whom had symptoms of bone disease or documented demineralization. No evidence of aluminum accumulation was found. TPN with free amino acids, containing 42 μg aluminum per liter or less, does not lead to aluminum loading in adolescents or adults.