The adjuvant aluminum fate - Metabolic tale based on the basics of chemistry and biochemistry

J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2021 Dec:68:126822. doi: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2021.126822. Epub 2021 Jul 16.

Abstract

Aluminum is inevitable component of many vaccines. The benefit of the vaccines is undeniable but effects of aluminum toxicity might be underestimated and neglected. In this review, we highlighted the mechanims of aluminum toxicity, which is still in debate. So far, all the papers that disscused the adverse aluminum effects pointed two mechanisms responsible for Al toxicity, direct Al toxicity and aluminum induced cell damage via the oxidative metabolism. According to our knowledge, which is based on basic principles of biochemistry and inorganic chemistry, we suggested that aluminum highly interferes with iron metabolism eventually resulting in iron-mediated cell damage. More importantly, in this paper, we offered easily feasible solutions, in order to avoid aluminum toxicity in the future. We suggest that as it once was, Calcium Phosphate again to be used as the adjuvant or better solution that the vaccine adjuvants should be based on zinc compounds or even better would be non-metal adjuvants, such as microcrystalline tyrosine and monosodium urate. Until an adequate adjuvant is provided, we suggest instant postponement of vaccination with vaccines which use aluminum as the adjuvant until the 12 months of age.

Keywords: Aluminum toxicity; Fenton reaction; Iron; Microcrystalline tyrosine; Monosodium urate; Vaccine.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic
  • Adjuvants, Vaccine
  • Aluminum Compounds
  • Aluminum Hydroxide
  • Aluminum* / toxicity
  • Iron
  • Vaccines*

Substances

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic
  • Adjuvants, Vaccine
  • Aluminum Compounds
  • Vaccines
  • Aluminum Hydroxide
  • Aluminum
  • Iron