Evaluation of the maternal and developmental toxicity of aluminum from high doses of aluminum hydroxide in rats.

The potential of aluminum hydroxide [Al (OH)3] to induce developmental toxicity in rats was evaluated in the present study. Al (OH)3 was given by gavage at dose levels of 192, 384, and 768 mg/kg/day to groups of pregnant rats from day 6 through day 15 of gestation. Control animals received distilled water. Pregnant rats were evaluated for body weight, weight gain, food consumption, appearance, behavior and reproduction data. Cesarean sections were performed on gestation day 20, and the fetuses were removed for teratological evaluation. No significant maternal or developmental toxicity was observed at any Al (OH)3 dose level. Consequently, the no-observed-effect level (NOEL) for Al(OH)3 maternal or developmental toxicity would be greater than or equal to 768 mg/kg/day, which was the highest dose tested. This dose would be equivalent to a 60 kg person ingesting 16 g Al/day.