Aluminium myths debunked: Dietitians dispel fears about tea with lemon

Experts warn that an excess of aluminium can lead to serious health problems due to its toxic effects on the body. Unfortunately, this element is present in many popular food products such as tea and legumes.

Aluminium is a naturally occurring element in nature, which results in numerous myths about its impact on health. Some of these concern a very popular drink, also in our country. Some people believe that drinking tea with lemon leads to the formation of aluminium citrate, which is supposedly very harmful to the brain. However, dietitians, argue that such fears are greatly exaggerated.

The dietitian assures that until recently, such information has existed in public opinion, but in the case of this combination, it is a myth. When brewing tea from leaves, only a fraction of the aluminium contained in them is released into the infusion. It would have to be consumed in enormous quantities to make such a drink harmful. Adding a slice of lemon to tea is certainly not harmful.

Aluminium can be found in many popular food products such as cereals, mushrooms, legumes, and some fruits, e.g., red currants. However, these are not the only products that contain it. Interestingly, it is also present in herbs like caraway, marjoram, and thyme. Experts emphasise that aluminium does not pose a health risk to humans in small quantities. Moreover, aluminium compounds are added to some medications and cosmetics and can leach into food from kitchenware.

Dietitians compared tomato puree cooked in aluminium and stainless steel pots. In the first case, the puree had approximately 17 milligrams of aluminium per 100 millilitres, whereas in the second, none.

It seems that the method of preparation significantly impacts the aluminium content in selected food products. Stainless steel pots are one way to avoid an excess of this element.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has established that the safe weekly dose of aluminium is 1 milligram per kilogram of body weight. Taking a large dose at once can seriously impair the functioning of the central nervous system, accumulating in the bones and lungs. This element is very harmful to elderly people. Experts note that aluminium accumulates more easily in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease.