Around 95% of the normal daily intake of aluminum comes from food. Trace amounts may leech from cookware into food, but not enough to cause any health problems. It is estimated that the average adult typically consumes 7-8 milligrams of aluminum per day. Higher levels are estimated in individuals that take over-the counter drugs such as buffered aspirin and antacids.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), individuals that regularly consume maximum recommended doses or more of aluminum-containing over-the-counter drugs could possibly consume up to 5 grams of aluminum per day.

According to various research studies, it is believed (but not proven) that consuming high levels of aluminum may have negative effects on the nervous system. Studies show that individuals with Lou Gehrig’s (ALS), Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease had higher than normal levels of aluminum in their system. These studies, however, were unable to link high levels of aluminum to any of these diseases. Other studies have concluded, however, that there is no relationship between diseases of the nervous system and excessive amounts of aluminum.

There has been some concern about whether or not high levels of aluminum may cause cancer. Although the Department of Health and Human Services has not evaluated the relationship between cancer and excessive aluminum in humans, studies show that aluminum does not cause cancer in animals.

While it is believed by some that very high levels of aluminum may affect the nervous system, overall, aluminum is not considered a health hazard.