It might not take a lifetime to build up dangerous levels of aluminumin the brain, according to UC Davis researchers Mari S. Golub andCarl L. Keen. In a recent study, they found elevated levels of aluminum in the brains of newborn mice whose pregnant and nursing mothers ate diets high in aluminum. Brain aluminum concentrations quickly dropped back into the normal range by the time the young mice were weaned. A previous study by the group found significant neuro-behaviorial effects in young weaned mice with a similar aluminum exposure. In that study, young mice showed greater grip strength and reduced temperature sensitivity when compared to the control group, but the puzzled researchers found normal brain aluminum levels. Golub believes she may have identified both a window of aluminum vulnerability and a mechanism that explains the increased risk in developing brains. "We know the time when the insult may have occurred because of the aluminum in the brain," Golub says. "Our hypothesis is, during that time, the brain is growing rapidly and needs other trace metals similar to aluminum, such as manganese, zinc and iron. The mechanism that allows those trace metals to be taken up in the brain may be the same mechanism that allows aluminum to be taken up," she says. Aluminum is found in a variety of foods -- Morton's iodized salt, Cherry Jell-O, non-dairy creamers, Post's Raisin Bran Cereal and the creamy center of Oreo cookies, for example. The research group is conducting a long-term study of mice to further define the effects of aluminum in the diet. Keen will be present to discuss the paper at the nutrition poster session titled "Magnesium and Trace Elements," Thursday, April 9, 12:30-1:30 p.m., Anaheim Convention Center, Hall A.