Eight children on long-term, total parenteral nutrition (TPN) were found to have elevated aluminium (Al) levels in plasma (51 +/- 11 microg 1/1), urine (223 +/- 78 microg 24 h) and bone. The load of Al in TPN solution was 232 +/- 89 microg/day, and, among the different parenteral solution components high Al concentrations were found in amino-acids, calcium gluconate, potassium lactate, and trace elements, representing respectively 40%, 30%, 15%, and 10% of the total Al intakes. The authors conclude that children receiving long-term TPN have excessive Al intakes and are exposed to Al toxicity. The prevention of Al contamination requires careful control of the TPN components.