How is aluminum toxicity treated?

• A. Deferoxamine chelates aluminum
• B. Increase aluminum intake
• C. Administer iron
• D. Dialysis

Answer: (A)

Treating aluminum toxicity centers on removing the metal from the body by binding it with a chelating agent so it can be excreted. Deferoxamine has a high affinity for aluminum and forms a stable complex that is eliminated in the urine, effectively lowering the aluminum body burden and helping mitigate toxicity. This makes deferoxamine chelation the preferred approach. Increasing aluminum intake would worsen the problem, and administering iron isn’t an effective treatment for aluminum toxicity. Dialysis can remove aluminum, especially in patients with kidney failure or severe exposure, but it’s typically considered supportive or adjunctive rather than the primary therapy.