Risk of increased aluminium burden in the Indian population: contribution from aluminium cookware

Aluminium (Al) is a well-established potential neurotoxin in addition to its role in the aetiopathogenesis of certain disorders related to bone and blood. Food and water are the major sources of Al ingestion in normal population groups. Al content of certain cooked foods was therefore analysed to assess its daily burden in the Indian population. Significant levels of Al were detected in most of the cooked foods analysed. Green leafy vegetables and pulse preparations (dhal/sambar) contribute greatly to total daily Al intakes. Storage of food in Al vessels also raises Al content significantly. It thus appears that total intake of Al in Indian population groups, who regularly use Al cookware and storage utensils, may be higher than that reported elsewhere.